Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome: a review and case report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is a rare, unilateral chorioretinal inflammatory condition.
• Typically affects young women, presenting with multifocal retinitis, white spots, vitritis, and foveal granularity.
• Symptoms include photopsia, scotoma, and decreased vision, often preceded by flu-like symptoms.

Observation:

• A case of a healthy 21-year-old myopic female with sudden onset unilateral photopsia and blurred vision.
• Clinical findings included vitritis, maculopathy, and mid-peripheral white dots.
• Diagnosis of MEWDS was confirmed by a retinal ophthalmologist.

Findings:

• MEWDS diagnosis confirmed in a young myopic female presenting with characteristic symptoms and funduscopic findings.
• Despite non-compliance with recommendations, the patient experienced complete resolution of MEWDS signs and symptoms.
• Ophthalmoscopy, angiography, and OCT aid in MEWDS diagnosis.

Implications:

• MEWDS should be considered in primary optometric settings for patients with photopsia, blurred vision, and fundus white spots.
• Prompt diagnosis is crucial, even with atypical presentations, for appropriate patient management.
• While typically self-limiting, awareness of potential sequelae is important.