Abstract
Purpose::
To describe a previously unreported clinical entity superficially resembling macular serpiginous choroiditis but with a distinct presentation and clinical course.
Methods::
A retrospective observational case series of 6 patients, aged 50 to 68 years, exhibiting this entity who were seen at 5 different centers from 1984 to 2006.
Results::
The lesions in our patients are in some respect similar to those of acute macular serpiginous choroiditis.Our patients had well-delineated whitish plaque-like lesions involving the macula and sparing the peripapillary areas of both eyes. In contrast to serpiginous choroiditis, visual acuity remained good despite early involvement of the fovea until complications related to choroidal neovascularization or pigmentary mottling developed. The angiographic characteristics and the clinical course were also atypical. Fluorescein angiography revealed well-defined early hypofluorescent areas which partially filled-in in the late phase. Indocyanine green angiography showed the hypofluorescence to be persistent. Unlike serpiginous choroiditis, the white macular lesions faded over a period of months to years while the characteristic angiographic findings often persisted longer. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) developed in 11 out of 12 eyes with subsequent conversion to disciform macular scars in 9 out of 12 eyes. Unlike serpiginous choroiditis, none of the eyes showed chorioretinal scar formation unless related to CNV.
Conclusions::
Persistent placoid maculopathy has features resembling macular serpiginous choroiditis but differs in its clinical course and effect on visual acuity. It appears to be a new entity. The majority of eyes develop choroidal neovascularization which results in loss of central vision.
Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • retinochoroiditis • retina