Sclerochoroidal calcification associated with chondrocalcinosis: A clinical case

Sclerochoroidal calcifications is a rare condition corresponding to senile plaques due to the deposition of calcium and phosphate in the sclera and choroid. It is an elderly patient's pathology. In most cases, it is idiopathic. However, some patients have systemic disorders leading to disturbances in phosphocalcic metabolism, which are at the origin of this disorder. A check-up is therefore necessary to detect them.

We report the case of a 65 year old patient admitted to the ophthalmology department for a renewal of optical correction. The patient is known to have articular chondrocalcinosis on anti-inflammatory medication. Fundus examination revealed multiple white supra macular choroidal lesions with tumour-like appearance in both eyes. The ultrasound perfomed showed the calcic nature of the lesions. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiograms showed no sign of activity or presence of neovessels.A complete metabolic work-up, mainly phosphocalcic, was ordered again and the systemic diagnosis of articular chondrocalcinosis was retained.

Shields et al. first described, in 1997, a case of sclerochoroidal calcification in a patient with chondrocalcinosis and a normal metabolic profile. Few more have been added to the literature. It is generally considered to be predominantly bilateral and is most often seen as yellowish lesions. Two types of calcifications have been described to date, the plaque type and the pseudotumor type. Given the asymptomatic presentation, a fundus examination should be performed in patients with chondrocalcinosis. Generally, no treatment is necessary.

Sclerochoroidal calcifications usually manifests as multiple discrete yellow placoid lesions in elderly asymptomatic patients. Visual prognosis for sclerochoroidal classification is good since the lesions tend to be away from the macula. They should not be confused with choroidal metastasis or achromic melanoma which require more extensive treatment.