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Rickettsial Post Fever Retinitis leading to sequential macular hole - a rare clinical trajectory
Shishir Verghese1, Geethu Subash2, Verghese Joseph1
1Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Department of Vitreoretinal Services, Amita Eye Care, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India.
Purpose:
To report a case of full thickness macular hole (FTMH) formation as a rare sequelae in Rickettsial post fever retinitis (PFR).
Methods:
We report a case of PFR and cystoid macular edema (CME) in both eyes with one eye eventually progressing to form a macular hole. Clinical record and serial multimodal imaging including colour fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) were analyzed.
Results:
A 65- year old gentleman presenting with reduction in vision in both eyes was diagnosed with bilateral Rickettsial PFR with multifocal lesions at the posterior pole along with vitritis and CME. During the course of his treatment he developed a FTMH in one eye and the other eye recovered vision.
Conclusion:
Meticulous follow-up and personalized treatment are pivotal for optimizing outcomes and preventing vision loss. Broader case documentation will be key to advancing clinical management for this unusual complication in Rickettsial PFR.
Insights
Rickettsial post fever retinitis (PFR) can rarely lead to full thickness macular holes (FTMH). This case highlights the importance of monitoring for this vision-threatening complication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Rickettsial post fever retinitis (PFR) is an uncommon ocular manifestation of rickettsial infections.
- Macular involvement, including cystoid macular edema (CME), can occur in PFR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a rare case of full thickness macular hole (FTMH) formation following PFR.
- To emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring and tailored treatment in PFR patients.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 65-year-old male diagnosed with bilateral Rickettsial PFR.
- Utilized multimodal imaging, including color fundus photography, SD-OCT, and OCT angiography, for analysis.
- Monitored clinical progression and response to treatment.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with bilateral PFR, vitritis, multifocal posterior pole lesions, and CME.
- One eye progressed to develop a FTMH during treatment.
- The other eye showed visual recovery.
Conclusions:
- FTMH is a rare but significant sequela of Rickettsial PFR.
- Close follow-up and individualized treatment are crucial for managing PFR and preventing vision loss.
- Further case documentation is needed to improve understanding and management of this complication.
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