Multifocal Electroretinograms in Serpiginous Choroiditis and the Variability in Correlation to Visible Macular Lesions

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate the correlation of 50 ^o mERG to visible macular lesions in three patients with serpiginous choroiditis. Current literature supports the concept that the vision loss is due to expansion of chorioretinal lesions into the foveal area but conclusive evidence is lacking Methods: Three patients with serpiginous choroiditis were subjected to a 50 ^o mERG as part of their evaluation and care at the National Eye Institute clinic. Visual comparison was made between the ophthalmic exam and the extent of the lesions with the waveforms of the mERG and fluorescein angiograms Results: In two of the three patients the interpretation of the recorded mERG suggested that the extent of the retinal dysfunction was more than what was clinically apparent from the extent of the clinically and angiographically visible lesions. Conclusions: In patients with serpiginous choroiditis it may be that wide spread retinal dysfunction is causative of decreased quality of vision. Controlled studies would help assess whether chronic diffuse low grade inflammation at the photoreceptor level is responsible for this process and would impact current therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: autoimmune disease • inflammation • choroid