Unusual findings in serpiginous choroiditis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Choroiditis

Background:

• Serpiginous choroiditis is an inflammatory condition affecting the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium.
• The long-term visual prognosis for patients with serpiginous choroiditis can be poor, with potential for significant vision loss.

Observation:

• Two male patients, aged 51 and 49, with serpiginous choroiditis developed retinal pigment epithelial detachment and optic disk neovascularization.
• Clinical observation revealed progressive disease despite the underlying condition.

Findings:

• Fluorescein angiography in both cases showed late-stage loss of the retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris.
• Both patients experienced permanent visual acuity reduction, with one case reaching 20/200 and the other counting fingers at 4 feet in one eye.

Implications:

• This case series highlights the potential for severe complications, including neovascularization, in serpiginous choroiditis.
• Early detection and management strategies for these complications are crucial to mitigate irreversible vision loss in affected individuals.