[Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy--a case report]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Genetics

Background:

• Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPCA) is a rare, usually asymptomatic retinal dystrophy.
• It typically affects the paravenous areas without macular involvement, and is not considered vision-threatening.

Observation:

• A 64-year-old man presented with sudden unilateral vision reduction and binocular diplopia.
• The patient was diagnosed with bilateral pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy.

Findings:

• The diagnosis was supported by characteristic fundus appearance.
• Atypical findings included bilateral mild macular changes, optic disc pallor, and retinal artery narrowing.

Implications:

• This case challenges the conventional understanding of PPCA's benign nature.
• Sudden onset and atypical manifestations of PPCA can pose diagnostic challenges.