Non-Neoplastic Disorders Mimicking Posterior Segment Inflammation.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Masquerade syndromes present as intraocular inflammation but have non-inflammatory origins.
• Accurate differentiation from uveitis is vital to avoid incorrect treatment and vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review non-neoplastic posterior segment masquerade syndromes.
• To highlight their epidemiology, clinical features, imaging findings, and diagnostic challenges.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature on ocular masquerade syndromes.
• Analysis of clinical presentation, multimodal imaging (OCT, FAF, FA, ICGA, ultrasonography), and diagnostic strategies.
• Integration of history, examination, and laboratory testing.

Main Results:

• Discussed conditions include inherited retinal degenerations, chronic endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, foreign bodies, uveal effusion, central serous chorioretinopathy, amyloidosis, Coats disease, persistent fetal vasculature, and X-linked retinoschisis.
• Detailed distinguishing features from uveitis for each entity.
• Proposed a diagnostic algorithm for early recognition.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of masquerade syndromes is essential for appropriate management.
• Avoiding unnecessary immunosuppression and optimizing visual outcomes are key goals.
• A systematic diagnostic approach aids in differentiating these mimics from true uveitis.