Fundus fluorescein angiography done in a patient following cataract surgery shows a flower petal pattern. What is he MOST likely suffering from?
**Core Concept**
The flower petal pattern observed in fundus fluorescein angiography is a characteristic feature of cystoid macular edema (CME). CME is a condition where fluid accumulates in the macula, leading to visual impairment. The flower petal pattern is caused by the accumulation of fluorescein dye in the cystic spaces within the macula.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In CME, the flower petal pattern is seen due to the leakage of fluorescein dye from the retinal vessels into the cystic spaces within the macula. This leakage occurs due to the disruption of the blood-retinal barrier, which is often caused by inflammation or trauma following cataract surgery. The cystic spaces within the macula appear as bright, petal-like structures in the fluorescein angiogram, giving the characteristic flower petal pattern.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because the flower petal pattern is not typically associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While AMD can cause macular edema, the pattern of leakage is usually different from the flower petal pattern seen in CME.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because retinal vein occlusion (RVO) typically presents with a different pattern of leakage, including blockage of the retinal veins and subsequent ischemia.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because diabetic retinopathy (DR) can cause various patterns of leakage, including microaneurysms and retinal hemorrhages, but the flower petal pattern is not a characteristic feature.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The flower petal pattern in fundus fluorescein angiography is a classic sign of cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery. It is essential to recognize this pattern to diagnose CME promptly and initiate appropriate treatment to prevent visual impairment.
**Correct Answer:** C. Cystoid macular edema.