Advanced Pericentral Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy in an Asian Woman

This case report describes the unique clinical attributes of pericentral retinopathy associated with hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) use in patients of Asian ancestry.

A complete ophthalmologic examination including optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and Humphrey visual fields was performed. Serial images were obtained at subsequent follow-up appointments.

A dilated fundus examination demonstrated extensive bilateral parafoveal and perifoveal atrophy extending past the superior and inferior arcades as well as central macular preservation. Fundus autofluorescence exhibited prominent pericentral hypoautofluorescence.

The distinct variant of pericentral hydroxychloroquine retinopathy has become increasingly recognized in patients of Asian origin. It is important for ophthalmologists to distinguish this pattern and consider modifying screening methods.