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Persistent placoid maculopathy: a new clinical entity
Pamela R Golchet1, Lee M Jampol, David Wilson
1Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Purpose:
To describe a previously unreported clinical entity superficially resembling macular serpiginous choroiditis but with a distinct presentation and clinical course.
Methods:
A retrospective review of the medical records of five patients, aged 50 to 68 years, exhibiting this entity seen at five different centers from 1999 to 2006.
Results:
The lesions in the patients in this study are in some respects similar to those of acute macular serpiginous choroiditis. The patients had well-delineated whitish plaque-like lesions involving the macula and sparing the peripapillary areas of both eyes. In contrast to serpiginous choroiditis, visual acuity remained good despite early involvement of the fovea until complications related to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) or pigmentary mottling developed. The angiographic characteristics and the clinical course were also atypical. Fluorescein angiography revealed well-defined early hypofluorescent areas, which partially filled-in in the late phase. Indocyanine green angiography showed the hypofluorescence to be persistent. Unlike serpiginous choroiditis, the white macular lesions faded over a period of months to years, but the characteristic angiographic findings often persisted longer. CNV developed in nine of 10 eyes with subsequent conversion to disciform macular scars in seven of 10 eyes. Unlike serpiginous choroiditis, none of the eyes showed chorioretinal scar formation unless related to CNV.
Conclusion:
Persistent placoid maculopathy has features resembling macular serpiginous choroiditis but differs in its clinical course and effect on visual acuity. It appears to be a new entity. The majority of eyes develop CNV, which results in loss of central vision.
Insights
A new eye condition, persistent placoid maculopathy, resembles serpiginous choroiditis but has a different course. It often leads to choroidal neovascularization and vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Choroidal Neovascularization
Background:
- Macular serpiginous choroiditis is a known retinal condition.
- A distinct clinical entity with similar features was observed.
Observation:
- Five patients aged 50-68 presented with whitish, plaque-like macular lesions.
- Lesions involved the macula but spared peripapillary areas.
- Visual acuity remained good initially despite foveal involvement.
Findings:
- The condition, termed persistent placoid maculopathy, showed atypical angiographic features.
- Lesions faded over time, but angiographic findings persisted.
- Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) developed in 90% of eyes, leading to disciform scars in 70%.
Implications:
- Persistent placoid maculopathy is a distinct clinical entity.
- CNV is a common complication, resulting in central vision loss.
- Early identification and management of CNV are crucial.
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