Abstract
Purpose::
To describe the ophthalmologic findings of two cases of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) simulating a pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA).
Methods::
Patients had been submitted to the following examinations: complete ophthalmologic evaluation, visual field, serologic examinations, fluorescein angiography and electroretinogram (ERG).
Results::
The age group of the patients were between first and third decade. Both presented nyctalopia complaint. The visual acuities ranged from 20/80 to 20/100. Both fundus showed diffuse pigmented perivascular dispersion in the four quadrants with defects of the retinal pigment epithelium and generalized vascular attenuation. The macular area presented choriocapillary atrophy with discrete pallor of the optic disc. The visual field presented central island of vision in both patients. One patient presented an abnormal ERG and the other an extinct exam in all phases of ERG. The serologic examinations were without alterations.
Conclusions::
We describe a rare variant of retinits pigmentosa simulating pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy. The ERG was the base for the diagnosis of RP in a fundus compatible with PPRCA.
Keywords: electroretinography: clinical • retinal degenerations: hereditary • retinal pigment epithelium