Multimodal Imaging for Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: Including Anterior Segment

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, fatal neurological disease.
• Ocular manifestations of SSPE are known but often poorly characterized.
• Early diagnosis and understanding of SSPE's progression are crucial.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old female with SSPE presented with decreased visual acuity.
• Anterior segment examination revealed dendritiform keratic precipitates and anterior chamber inflammation.
• Fundus examination showed macular and peripheral white-yellowish lesions progressing to atrophy.

Findings:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated necrotizing retinitis with moth-eaten cavities.
• OCT angiography (OCTA) indicated reduced retinal vessel density and flow voids.
• This is the first detailed documentation of anterior segment findings in SSPE.

Implications:

• Detailed ocular findings can aid in SSPE diagnosis and monitoring.
• Understanding retinal pathology in SSPE may inform future therapeutic strategies.
• Advanced imaging techniques offer new insights into SSPE's impact on the visual system.