Peripheral multifocal chorioretinitis: complications, prognosis and relation with sarcoidosis

To investigate the prognosis and complications in patients with peripheral multifocal chorioretinitis (PMC). PMC is a posterior or panuveitis characterized by chronic bilateral vitritis and punched-out lesions in the peripheral retina which occurs commonly in elderly white women and is associated with sarcoidosis. Prognosis and complications are largely unknown.

A structured literature search in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane was performed to identify relevant articles. Articles were screened, and the remaining articles were critically appraised based on relevance and validity.

The search yielded 267 articles. Eight relevant articles were retrieved. All studies reported on moderate visual impairment. Macular oedema occurred in 60% of the patients with PMC (range, 0-71%), glaucoma in 27% (range, 25-43%) and an epiretinal membrane in 21% (range, 0-28%). In total, 47% had proven or presumed sarcoidosis. Treatment usually comprised topical corticosteroids, periocular steroid injections and systemic corticosteroids regularly in combination with methotrexate.

The prognosis of patients with PMC is characterized by a rather poor visual outcome and the relatively high prevalence of complications. PMC is strongly associated with sarcoidosis. Solid proof for the treatment efficacy of PMC is lacking.