Angioid streaks in the eyes are seen in –
**Core Concept**
Angioid streaks are a clinical finding characterized by breaks in Bruch's membrane, leading to the formation of neovascularization and hemorrhages in the retina. This phenomenon is often associated with systemic conditions that affect the integrity of connective tissue.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is associated with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a genetic disorder that affects the elastic fibers in the skin, eyes, and cardiovascular system. In PXE, the degeneration of elastic fibers in Bruch's membrane leads to angioid streaks, which are a hallmark of the disease. The breakdown of elastic fibers in Bruch's membrane compromises the structural integrity of the retina, resulting in neovascularization and hemorrhages.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is the primary condition associated with angioid streaks, not systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While SLE can cause retinal vasculitis, it is not directly linked to angioid streaks.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by drusen, geographic atrophy, and choroidal neovascularization, but not angioid streaks. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, but it has a distinct pathophysiology from PXE.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
PXE is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects approximately 1 in 25,000 individuals worldwide. It is essential to recognize the characteristic angioid streaks in the eyes as a potential marker for PXE, which can also involve the skin and cardiovascular system.
**Correct Answer:** D.