Long-term visual function in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy

[Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, serpiginous choroiditis and related diseases]

Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE) and serpiginous choroiditis are two diseases classified as "white spot syndromes." Both are inflammatory/autoimmune diseases with suspected primary involvement of the choriocapillaris. The former usually has an excellent prognosis, while the latter can rapidly induce legal blindness. Whereas these diseases are well defined and well known, other entities (such as persistent placoid maculopathy or ampiginous choroiditis) with features of both APMPPE and serpiginous choroiditis have been described more recently. This review aims to describe demographic characteristics and multimodal imaging features to help differentiate between these four diseases.

Resilience of the Photoreceptors in Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy Observed by Microperimetry over Time

AIMS

To analyze the morphological and functional findings using microperimetry and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE).

METHODS

This retrospective observational case series included four eyes of two patients with APMPPE. Best-corrected visual acuity range was from 20/20 to 20/250. Microperimetry and OCTA evaluation were obtained in the acute and healed phase. The OCTA images of the choriocapillaris were superimposed on the microperimetry map at the last visit.

RESULTS

The retinal sensitivity improved between the baseline and the last visit in three out of the four eyes. At resolution phase, OCTA revealed zones with choriocapillaris flow deficit, which were associated with points of reduced retinal sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Microperimetry allows for a better evaluation of the extent of the unhealed functional defect in eyes with AMPPE. The multimodal imaging showed that structural and functional findings were associated in the resolution phase.

Long-term multimodal imaging in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy and association with coxsackievirus exposure

The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential insights into the pathogenesis of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) using multimodal diagnostic imaging and laboratory evaluation in long-term follow-up. A retrospective, single-center case series was conducted on seven consecutive patients (14 eyes) who were given a diagnosis of APMPPE from March 1, 2011, through June 30, 2019 with at least three months of follow-up. Clinical characteristics (age, symptoms, visual acuity [VA]), laboratory testing including coxsackievirus titers, and multimodal imaging from fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICG) were analyzed for each patient. The initial median VA was 20/71 and final median VA was 20/22. Coxsackievirus B (CVB) titers were elevated (≥ 1:80) in six of seven patients, with a four-fold increase in convalescent titers seen in two patients suggestive of recent infection. All patients were treated with oral corticosteroids, and five patients underwent corticosteroid-sparing immunomodulatory therapy. Initially, multifocal deep choroidal lesions were observed in the posterior pole corresponding to patches of hypocyanescence on ICG. Overlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) disease was observed on FAF, although this finding was not universally observed, suggesting that RPE disease may occur as a sequelae to unchecked choroidal inflammation. SD-OCT architectural changes confirmed outer retina and ellipsoid zone disruption. FA of active lesions showed early hypofluorescence and late hyperfluorescence with surrounding leakage while inactive disease showed areas of staining. Long-term follow-up of multimodal diagnostic imaging in APMPPE revealed that choroidal inflammation likely precedes RPE change and photoreceptor damage. Elevation of coxsackievirus titers with seroconversion may be associated with an infectious trigger in concert with immune-mediated disease in this posterior uveitis syndrome.

Quantitative Analysis of Ellipsoid Zone in Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy

Purpose:

Quantitative end points for uveitis are needed. Here we quantify the rate of ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and correlate it with visual acuity (VA) improvement in patients with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigmented epitheliopathy (APMPPE). We use automated and manually graded EZ area analysis to assess EZ recovery in APMPPE.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of 9 APMPPE cases (18 eyes) that had characteristic clinical examination and fluorescein angiography findings, outer retinal disruption on spectral-domain OCT, and treatment with systemic steroids after an unambiguous laboratory workup. The EZ was delineated using custom software to perform automated analysis and manual grading by 2 independent physicians. Quantitation of EZ changes was performed in ImageJ (National Institutes of Health). EZ maps were compared with equivalent findings from EZ en face OCT segmentation.

Results:

The 9 cases in our study were followed for an average of 198 days. Symptomatic improvement occurred in all eyes. VA recovery occurred in 83% of eyes and depended on presenting foveal involvement. Positive slopes of EZ area over time demonstrated recovery. EZ recovery profiles determined by manual and automated software demonstrated high Pearson correlation coefficients (0.78-0.94). Slab en face EZ analysis demonstrated moderate agreement.

Conclusions:

EZ recovery correlates with symptomatic and VA recovery. Automated EZ analysis shows strong agreement with manually graded EZ analysis in APMPPE. EZ recovery in patients with APMPPE provides a biomarker for recovery and may be applied to other diseases affecting the outer retina.

Management of Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE): Insights from Multimodal Imaging with OCTA

A 28-year-old man presented to the emergency room with blurred vision in the right eye for two days. He reported a preceding flu-like illness one week earlier. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/40 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. There was no anterior chamber inflammation or vitritis in either eye. He presented multiple yellowish-white placoid lesions in the posterior pole, some involving the foveal area, bilaterally. General examination and systemic investigation were unremarkable. Multimodal evaluation with fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and spectral domain and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were consistent with the diagnosis of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy. Due to centromacular involvement with decreased BCVA, treatment with oral methylprednisolone was started after infectious causes were ruled out. After two weeks, the patient presented functional and anatomical improvement. OCTA showed partial reperfusion of the choriocapillaris in the affected areas, in both eyes.

Untreated Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE): a case series

Background

Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a rare inflammatory eye disease that affects the Retinal Pigment Epithelium and outer retina. The purpose of this study was to describe its presentations, as well as its prognosis in a series of untreated patients.

Methods

Records of patients seen in the department of Ophthalmology at Cochin University Hospital, Paris, between April 2002 and June 2015 were retrospectively studied. Patients were included if they presented with the typical findings of APMPPE characterized by whitish or yellowish bilateral placoid lesions, a typical pattern of early hypofluorescence and late hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography. Only untreated patients who had been followed for at least 1 month were included.

Results

Out of 22 patients’ records with a diagnosis of APMPPE, 10 patients (9 women, 1 man), with a mean age of 24.5 ± 4.2 years, fulfilled the study criteria with a diagnosis of typical untreated APMPPE. Prodromal symptoms were reported in 7/10 patients. Macular lesions were observed in 18/20 eyes. Sub-retinal fluid was seen at presentation in 3 eyes. Initial mean BCVA was 0.56 ± 0.81 LogMAR [− 0.10 to 2.30]. In 9 out of 10 cases, the time interval between manifestations in the first affected eye and the fellow eye was less than 3 days. After 1 month, BCVA had improved to 0.05 ± 0.089 LogMAR [0–0.3], with a decimal BCVA ≥0.8 in 17/20 eyes.

Conclusions

In these 10 cases of untreated APMPPE, a favorable outcome was observed.

LONGITUDINAL QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF OUTER RETINAL LESIONS IN ACUTE POSTERIOR MULTIFOCAL PLACOID PIGMENT EPITHELIOPATHY USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

PURPOSE

To quantify the external limiting membrane (ELM) disruption and photoreceptor volume changes in eyes with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) at the acute and resolution phases.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 10 eyes of 5 patients with APMPPE. Intact ELM and the Bruch's membrane were manually traced using ImageJ software and their lengths from each scan of the Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography macular volume were summed. The ratio of intact ELM length/Bruch's membrane length was calculated. Also, two-dimensional areas of specific regions of interest were demarcated between the intact ELM and Bruch's Membrane in every cross-sectional B-scan. Total volume of photoreceptors was calculated by multiplying the total area by the distance between B-scans.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant increase in ELM/Bruch's membrane ratio (P value = 0.022), mean photoreceptors volume (P value = 0.028), and a significant linear positive correlation between change of intact ELM/Bruch's membrane ratio and percent change of photoreceptor volume (r = 0.927, P value = 0.001) when comparing baseline and final follow-up visit, independent of total follow-up length.

CONCLUSION

Using Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography, we showed that quantitative evaluation of ELM disruption and the volume of photoreceptor recovery can help us to follow the clinical course of APMPPE.

Application of OCT-angiography to characterise the evolution of chorioretinal lesions in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine a sequence of structural changes in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) using optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) and comparing with other imaging modalities.Patients and methodsPatients with a new diagnosis of acute-onset APMPPE referred to a regional specialist centre from October 2015 to October 2016 were included. Multimodal imaging employed on all patients from diagnosis included the following: fundus fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, fundus autofluorescence, spectral domain-OCT (SD-OCT), and OCT-A. All non-invasive imaging processes were repeated during follow-up.ResultsTen eyes of five patients were included in the study, three males and two females, with a mean age of 26.2 years (range: 21-32) and a mean follow-up of 6.4 months (range: 2.6-13.3). All patients presented with bilateral disease and macular involving lesions. OCT-A imaging of the choriocapillaris was supportive of hypoperfusion at the site of APMPPE lesions during the acute phase of this condition with normalisation of choroidal vasculature during follow-up. Multimodal imaging consistently highlighted four sequential phases from presentation to resolution of active disease.ConclusionsMultimodal imaging in patients with APMPPE in acute and long-term follow-up demonstrates a reversible choroidal hypoperfusion supporting the primary inciting pathology as a choriocapillaritis. The evolution shows resolution of the ischaemia through a defined sequence that results in persistent changes at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina. OCT-A was able to detect preclinical changes and chart resolution at the level of the choriocapillaris.

Acute, posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy: a case of 11 recurrences over 15 years

PURPOSE

To report the case of a patient with recurrent, acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest documented course with the greatest number of recurrences reported.

METHODS

Observational case report of one patient. A 27-year-old otherwise healthy male patient presented with recurrence of new scotomata over 15 years. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography documented his clinical course.

RESULTS

Over the course of 15 years, the patient developed 11 symptomatic (5 imaging-documented) recurrences of acute, posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy affecting both eyes. Each episode manifested with new subjective scotomata and new lesions noted on imaging. Symptoms mostly resolved after each episode, and visual outcome remained excellent (20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 left eye at the last follow-up).

CONCLUSION

Although typically monophasic, acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy can rarely present with a recurrent course over a prolonged period of time and should be considered as a diagnosis in patients presenting with recurrent visual symptoms and new placoid lesions on imaging. In recurrent cases, visual recovery may still remain excellent.

Multifocal electroretinographic evaluation of macular function in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy

BACKGROUND

In acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE), little is known about the long-term outcome of electroretinographic macular function. The purpose of this study was to report 2-year follow-up results of multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) in a 26-year-old Japanese woman diagnosed with APMPPE.

METHODS

Clinical and electrophysiological investigations of a single patient.

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuity at initial examination was 1.5 and 0.5 in her right and left eyes, respectively. In addition to characteristic fundus lesions bilaterally, fluorescein angiography demonstrated diagnostic early blockage and late staining of the lesions. Optical coherence tomography revealed a hyperreflective spot (corresponding to the lesion) in the outer retinal layer in the right eye and intraretinal fluid in the left eye. On mfERG, the amplitudes were generally preserved, but markedly reduced amplitudes were detected in the central region of the left eye and in the paracentral region of the right eye. Five days later, visual acuity improved to 1.0, and the intraretinal fluid spontaneously disappeared without medication in the left eye. Light-to-dark ratios on electrooculography were 2.68 and 2.23 in the right and left eyes, respectively, both within the normal range. Two years later, visual acuity was 2.0 in both eyes, and ophthalmoscopically, there were neither retinal nor retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) abnormalities. mfERG revealed that the amplitudes were considerably improved (nearly normal level) in both eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome suggests that longitudinal macular function in both visual acuity and mfERG may be favorable, unless areas of retinal or RPE alteration remain.

Ocular outcome and frequency of neurological manifestations in patients with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe the visual prognosis as well as the frequency and clinical severity of central nervous system involvement in all acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) patients of one centre.

METHODS

A retrospective database review of all patients and a prospective clinical, ophthalmological and neurological follow-up, if possible, were conducted.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with APMPPE were included with a mean follow-up of 17.1 months. Thirteen patients participated in a follow-up exam. Visual acuity improved in 9 of 18 patients to a mean of 0.17 log minimum angle of resolution (MAR) in the worse eye and remained stable in eight patients (mean, 0.03 logMAR). In the majority of patients, the 30° static perimetry improved at follow-up compared to the initial exams. Still, in up to 50 to 60 %, small visual field defects persisted. Overall, 11 patients (61 %) showed neurologic symptoms of varying severity. The most common neurological symptom was headache in nine (50 %) patients. Other symptoms included paraesthesias, psychosis, vertigo, and, as the most severe complication, stroke due to cerebral vasculitis. Fifteen patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Visual prognosis is good in patients with APMPPE, but visual field defects may remain. Neurological signs and symptoms, especially headaches, are frequent in APMPPE and should be taken seriously. Adequate investigations including MRI and CSF examination should be initiated in these patients.

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy: outcome and visual prognosis

OBJECTIVES

To examine the clinical outcomes and the effect of treatment in patients with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy.

METHODS

Cases of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy treated at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary from 1990 to 2002 and cases from the literature were identified. Data on visual acuity, ocular symptoms, bilateral involvement, foveal involvement at presentation, and treatment regimens were recorded.

RESULTS

Visual acuity was 20/25 or worse in 226 (76.6%) eyes and 20/40 or worse in 172 (58.3%) eyes at presentation. At the last follow-up visit, visual acuity was 20/25 or less in 125 (42.3%) eyes and 20/40 or less in 70 (23.7%) eyes. Topical or systemic therapy was given in nearly half of the cases (54.4%). Overall, 87 (71.9%) eyes were symptomatic at last follow-up visit. Finally, measured visual acuity was more than 20/25 in 20 (87.5%) eyes without foveal involvement at presentation and in 28 (39.2%) eyes with foveal involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Although acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy shows a relatively benign prognosis, especially when compared with some of the other white dot syndromes, there are patients who experience incomplete visual recovery.

A syndrome resembling acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy in older adults

PURPOSE

To describe clinical characteristics and visual and anatomic outcomes of a syndrome in older patients that is similar in its active stage to acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, but has a distinct clinical course.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records and photographic studies of consecutive patients over the age of 50 who presented with acute-onset visual symptoms associated with flat, gray-white lesions at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium reminiscent of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy.

RESULTS

The cohort included four men and two women with a median age of 72.5 (range, 58-82) years. The disease course was characterized by recurrent episodes in 6 (55%) of 11 eyes, with initial or eventual bilaterality in all five binocular patients. Five of six patients were treated with corticosteroids and all six patients experienced significant short-term improvement in visual acuity. However, 8 (73%) of 11 eyes developed progressive geographic atrophy and 7 (64%) developed choroidal neovascularization. With a mean (+/-SD) follow-up time of 6.6 +/- 5.5 years, the final visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 8 (73%) of 11 eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although older patients presenting with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy-like lesions are likely to experience visual improvement as acute lesions resolve, geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascular membrane formation may subsequently develop, leading to moderate or severe visual loss.

Central and Paracentral Visual Field Defects and Driving Abilities

The effect of central and paracentral visual field defects on driving abilities has until now received little attention. To date studies and surveys have concentrated on visual acuity and peripheral field loss. Here we summarise for the first time those diseases causing central visual field defects likely to be associated with binocular visual acuity adequate for driving.

[White dot syndrome]

The white dot syndromes comprise a group of diseases with a suspected immunological background, which show no systemic manifestations. The characteristic inflammatory changes of the choroid and the retinal pigment epithelium are typically yellow-white foci beneath the retina. Diseases belonging to the white dot syndromes which will be discussed in this article are acute multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (AMPPE), multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS), birdshot retinochoroidopathy (BSRC), multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis (MFC/MCP), punctuate inner choroidopathy (PIC), acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) and serpiginous choroiditis, Neither the trigger mechanism nor the pathogenetic development is known with certainty for any of these diseases. Immunological reactions to previous viral infections coupled with a genetic predisposition seem to be a common denominator. Transitions between the individual diseases have also been described.

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE)

A 20-year-old female presented with distorted vision after a viral illness and was found to have acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE). This case is described with presenting signs and symptoms and the final outcome. The general features and aetiology of APMPPE are discussed.

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy: a long-term study

PURPOSE

To study the long-term visual outcome in patients with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE).

METHODS

Fifteen patients (28 eyes) with APMPPE were reassessed at Westmead Hospital Eye Clinic (Westmead, NSW, Australia) up to 18 years (mean 6.4 years) after their initial presentation to one of the authors (PM) or to their private ophthalmologist. Stereo retinal photographs and visual acuities taken at the initial presentation were compared with those obtained at the most recent follow-up visit.

RESULTS

The last recorded visual acuity was 6/6 or better in 16 eyes (57%), 6/9-6/18 in four eyes (14%), 6/24-6/60 in five eyes (18%) and worse than 6/60 in three eyes (11%). Nine patients (60%) were treated with oral prednisone during the acute episode with little therapeutic effect observed. Six patients (40%) described a prodromal flu-like illness.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the long-term visual outcome following an acute episode of APMPPE may not be as favourable as initially portrayed by Gass. It confirms other study findings suggesting that APMPPE may not be a benign self-limiting disease. Older age at onset and initial foveal involvement were associated with a worse visual outcome.

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy

Images

Foveal involvement and lack of visual recovery in APMPPE associated with uncommon features

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is commonly believed to be a benign disease with excellent visual prognosis. Identification of cases with poor visual outcome prompted this retrospective study of 33 eyes of 18 patients with this disorder. Loss of visual acuity at presentation was recorded in 25 eyes (76%), 22 of which had lesions at the fovea. Visual acuity quickly returned to normal or near normal levels (even when it was as poor as counting fingers at entry) in all but 7 eyes of 7 patients, in which visual acuity failed to recover to better than 6/24 over a period of several months. All these eyes had poor acuity and foveal involvement when first seen, and at least one of the following atypical features: age older than 60 years, unilaterality, an interval before involvement of the second eye of at least 6 months, recurrence of the disease, leakage from choroidal vein. One additional patient whose foveae were initially not involved lost vision in one eye because of the development of choroidal neovascularisation. Caution should be exercised in giving a prognosis in cases when the fovea is involved and the acuity markedly reduced, particularly if one or more atypical features is present.