Latest advances in white spot syndromes: New findings and interpretations

Autoimmune Retinopathy in a Patient with Common Variable Immunodeficiency

PURPOSE

To describe a rare case of posterior ocular involvement consistent with an autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) on multimodal retinal imaging in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).

METHODS

Observational case report.

RESULTS

A 34-year-old male patient with a recent diagnosis of CVID was referred to our clinic following the incidental finding of retinal lesions in his eyes. He was asymptomatic and his best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in both eyes. Multimodal retinal imaging including optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence revealed peripapillary and mid-peripheral hyperautofluorescent lesions associated with outer nuclear layer thinning and ellipsoid/interdigitation zones disruption in both eyes.PET/CT imaging ruled out systemic inflammation or malignancy and a diagnosis of a possible non-paraneoplastic AIR was established.During follow-up BCVA was stable, the patient remained asymptomatic, and the retinal imaging findings showed no progression. At 12 months, the patient reported new-onset occasional photopsias described as "shimmering lights." Despite these symptoms, BCVA and retinal imaging remained stable.

CONCLUSION

This case supports a potential association between CVID and immune-mediated retinal pathology, highlighting the importance of comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation and multimodal retinal imaging in CVID patients and further research into this association.

En face OCT: Breakthroughs in understanding the pathoanatomy of retinal disease and clinical applications

En face optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a practical and informative imaging modality to noninvasively visualize distinct retinal and choroidal layers by providing coronal images using boundary-specific segmentation. Ongoing research with this method is generating breakthroughs in the illustration of new perspectives of retinal disease. The clinical value of en face OCT as an advanced retinal imaging tool is growing steadily and it has unveiled many new insights into the pathoanatomy of retinal disorders. Moreover, this modality can capture various en face OCT biomarkers that correspond to different cell or tissue subtypes, which were previously only identified through histological or electron microscopy methods, underscoring the significance of this technique in providing valuable pathoanatomical information. In this comprehensive review, we will systematically summarize the en face OCT findings across a broad spectrum of retinal diseases, including disorders of the vitreoretinal interface and retinal vascular system (e.g. paracentral acute middle maculopathy or PAMM and diabetic retinopathy), in addition to the en face OCT features of other conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, pachychoroid disease spectrum, myopic degeneration, uveitis and inflammatory disorders, inherited retinal dystrophies, and drug toxicity. We will discuss and highlight the unique clinical and pathoanatomical findings uncovered with en face OCT of each these diseases mentioned above.

Is it Time to Adopt a New Nomenclature and Classification for White Dot Syndromes Using Multimodal Imaging Techniques? Report 1 from Multimodal Imaging in Uveitis (MUV) Task Force

PURPOSE

The survey aims to explore the use of existing nomenclature and current clinical and multimodal imaging (MMI) approach in diagnosing white dot syndromes (WDS) among uveitis and retina specialists.

METHODS

The members of the International Uveitis Study Group (IUSG) task force MUV (Multimodal imaging in UVeitis) developed a survey. The questionnaire, created using Qualtrics, consisted of 22 questions. The responses were compared against regions, workplace setting, sub-specialty, and experience of the participants.

RESULTS

A total of 432 participants initiated the background section; 343 initiated the investigation section and 263/343 completed the survey (76.7%). The majority (43.7%) reported a specialty/practice focus mostly on uveitis, 32.2% on uveitis and retina, and 20.1% mostly on retina. Specifically, 55.7% were in practice > 10 years post-fellowship and 65.8% worked in academic settings. The term WDS was not universally used in clinical practice, with no significant differences by region, subspecialty, experience, workplace setting or number of WDS patients managed in the prior year (p > 0.01). Nearly 90% of participants reported using MMI to diagnose WDS. More than 70% advocated redefining the nomenclature and classification of WDS based on the primary anatomical location of disease using MMI without significant regional or professional differences (p > 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These results underscore the widespread adoption of MMI among uveitis and retina specialists in the characterization of entities traditionally grouped under the term WDS. Respondents strongly agree that MMI provides a precise distinction between these posterior uveitis, advocating for the overcoming of the clinical term WDS in favor of a patho-anatomic redefinition.

Inflammatory choroidal neovascularization: An evidence-based update

Inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (iCNV) significantly contributes to vision impairment and ranks as the third primary cause of CNV. Arising from both infectious and noninfectious uveitis, iCNV's pathogenesis involves Bruch membrane rupture, local inflammation, and choriocapillaris ischemia. The diagnosis of iCNV is challenging due to its symptomatic overlap with other uveitis-related conditions. We emphasize the importance of advanced multimodal imaging techniques, particularly optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA), for early detection and differentiation of iCNV from other types of CNV. Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents have shown high efficacy in treatment, the integration of these treatments with anti-inflammatory therapies remains a critical area of active research. The diversity of uveitis presentations and the rarity of iCNV have resulted in a scarcity of randomized clinical trials, leading to reliance on fragmented data from case reports and series. We consolidate the most recent studies to provide a comprehensive, updated overview of the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, imaging techniques, and treatment modalities for iCNV, aiming to support clinical decision-making. The absence of standardized guidelines highlights the need for further research to establish best practices for managing iCNV effectively.

Analysis of the etiology, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of choroidal neovascularization in Chinese children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the etiology, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in Chinese children and adolescents.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data, multimodal imaging and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with CNV at Beijing Tongren Hospital from May 2014 to October 2024.

RESULTS

72 children with CNV were included. The average age was 12.1 ± 3.5 years and 36 (50.0%) were male. The most common etiologies of pediatric CNV were idiopathic (37.50%), inflammatory chorioretinopathy (31.94%) and congenital or hereditary abnormalities (16.67%). Age distribution analysis showed that CNV most commonly occurred in adolescence (13-17 years, 48.61%) and school age (7-12 years, 45.83%). Idiopathic CNV was the main cause of CNV in children ≤ 12 years (43.24%), followed by inflammatory chorioretinopathy (21.62%) and congenital or hereditary abnormalities (18.92%), while the main cause of CNV in children > 12 years was inflammatory chorioretinopathy (42.86%). Most of the CNVs were subfoveal (56.3%) and all of the CNVs with complete fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) images were classic type. Of the 58 eyes (72.5%) with complete optical coherence tomography (OCT) data, all of the CNVs were type 2. Analysis of 26 eyes treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs showed that the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved from 0.75 ± 0.46 logMAR at baseline to 0.63 ± 0.46 logMAR at the last follow-up (p = 0.021), with 38.5% patients achieved ≥ 2-line BCVA improvement. These eyes with active CNV required a mean of 2.12 ± 0.80 injections during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The etiology and clinical characteristics of CNV in children differed from those in adults. Idiopathic, inflammatory, and congenital or hereditary CNV were the three most common etiologic factors in children. Most pediatric CNV were unilateral, type 2 and subfoveal. Pediatric CNV responded well to anti-VEGF medication and anti-VEGF drugs can significantly improve the visual acuity of children with CNV.

Evidence and Consensus-Based Imaging Guidelines in Multifocal Choroiditis with Panuveitis and Punctate Inner Choroiditis - Multimodal Imaging in Uveitis (MUV) Taskforce Report 5

PURPOSE

To develop imaging and consensus-based guidelines on the application of multimodal imaging in noninfectious multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MFCPU) and punctate inner choroiditis (PIC).

DESIGN

Consensus agreement guided by the review of literature and an expert committee using nominal group technique (NGT).

METHODS

An expert committee applied a timed structured nominal group technique (NGT) to achieve consensus-based recommendations on specific disease characteristics, biomarkers of activity, and complications for MFCPU and PIC. Representative cases with non-infectious active and inactive MFCPU and PIC with color fundus photographs (CFP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), OCT angiography (OCTA), indocyanine angiography (ICGA), and fundus autofluorescence images (FAF) were reviewed. These recommendations were voted upon by the entire task force.

RESULTS

The experts agreed that lesions of MFCPU and PIC can be well characterized using CFP. OCT is the preferred modality for detecting active lesions. Both FAF and OCT are effective for monitoring disease recurrence. Late-phase ICGA is most valuable in recurrent disease when the lesions are not visible on FAF and CFP. While OCTA and ICGA can successfully identify lesions and complications such as choroidal neovascularization, no imaging biomarkers were found to reliably distinguish between active and inactive lesions on these two modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating imaging findings, particularly OCT, into the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) classification criteria for MFCPU and PIC enables more precise assessment of disease activity. These consensus-based guidelines provide a framework for selecting optimal imaging modalities for diagnosis, monitoring and identification of complications of MFCPU and PIC.

Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS) Secondary to Acute Retinal Pigment Epitheliitis: Possible Atypical Presentation of MEWDS?

PURPOSE

To report a case of possible multiple evanescent white dot syndrome secondary (MEWDS) to acute retinal pigment epitheliitis (ARPE).

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 16-year-old female presented to the ophthalmology emergency department with a 5-day history of blurred vision in the left eye (OS). Initial examination revealed a visual acuity (VA) of 89 letters on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS)(-0.08 logMAR) chart in the right eye (OD) and 53 letters(0.64 logMAR) in the OS. Anterior segment biomicroscopy was normal, with no evidence of inflammation in the anterior chamber. Evaluation of the posterior pole revealed an alteration in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the OS. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) at the macular level showed disruption at the external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ), interdigitation zone (IZ), and the RPE-Bruch's membrane (RPE-Bm) complex. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) demonstrated hypofluorescent areas in the peripapillary region. No treatment was indicated. After two weeks, there was an improvement in VA, with 90 ETDRS letters(-0.1 logMAR) in the OD and 85 letters(0.0 logMAR) in the OS, as well as improvement in the OCT at the level of the ELM and EZ. However, a marked increase in white spots was observed throughout the posterior pole. By 5-months post-onset, a complete resolution of retinal alterations was observed in both OCT and FAF.

CONCLUSION

ARPE and MEWDS exhibit overlapping clinical features, which can sometimes complicate differentiation. This case is consistent with MEWDS secondary to ARPE, although an atypical presentation of MEWDS cannot be ruled out.

Inherited retinal disease-associated uveitis

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are genetic disorders characterized by progressive photoreceptor function loss, often leading to significant visual impairment. Uveitis has been increasingly recognized in the clinical course of some IRDs. Despite advances in understanding the genetic causes and pathophysiology of IRDs, gaps remain in understanding the roles of inflammation and autoimmunity in IRD and IRD-associated uveitis. This review discusses IRD-associated uveitis, including anterior, intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis, as well as complications such as cystoid macular edema and retinal vasculitis. In patients with IRD-associated uveitis, mutations affecting protein function in cilia or photoreceptor outer segments suggest a universal autoimmune mechanism triggered by the immunogenicity of shedding photoreceptor discs. Notably, in patients where uveitis is the initial sign, CRB1 mutations are often implicated, likely due to the compromised blood-retina barrier function or alterations in the external limiting membrane. Other mechanisms leading to uveitis preceding IRD diagnosis include ALPK1 mutations, which activate the proinflammatory NF-κB pathway, CAPN5 mutations, which lead to dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immune systems, and VCAN1 mutations, which elicit immunogenicity due to irregularities in vitreous modeling. Understanding these mechanisms could enhance the development of innovative treatments that target personalized inflammation pathways in IRDs.

[Differential diagnoses of central serous chorioretinopathy : Is that really a central serous chorioretinopathy?]

The accurate diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and its distinction from differential diagnoses is crucial for effective patient counseling and treatment. This is achieved through a targeted patient history and multimodal imaging, which distinguish CSC from other ocular diseases also characterized by subretinal fluid and changes in the retinal pigment epithelium. In this article we identify the key differential diagnoses of CSC and illustrate the characteristic differential diagnostic features of each disease. The differential diagnoses of CSC can be categorized into eight groups: 1) (neo)vascular choroidal diseases, 2) retinal diseases, 3) inflammatory diseases of the posterior segment, 4) benign and malignant ocular tumors, 5) malignant hematological diseases, 6) genetic disorders, 7) ocular developmental anomalies and 8) medication-related and toxic retinal changes.

Idiopathic Photoreceptoritis: An Unusual Variant of Outer Retinopathy

PURPOSE

To report an unusual case of progressive photoreceptor disruption following a herpetic labial infection.

METHOD

Case report of a patient with severe idiopathic photoreceptoritis.

RESULTS

A 46-year-old female patient presented with blurred vision and inferior photopsia in her right eye one week after a herpetic labial eruption. Initial examination revealed mild vitreous inflammation and focal photoreceptor alterations in the superior periphery of the right retina. Despite oral valaciclovir, the disease progressed rapidly, prompting referral to a tertiary care center. Autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography showed diffuse photoreceptor damage with impending foveal involvement. Extensive workup, including viral markers, was inconclusive. Given the temporal association with the herpetic infection and the sight-threatening progression, treatment was escalated to intravenous acyclovir and subsequently foscarnet for 2 weeks, which slowed down disease progression. The frontal margin of retinal foci stabilized with no further progression, while ellipsoid zone restoration was achieved following systemic corticosteroids and interferon alpha-2a.

CONCLUSION

The term "photoreceptoritis" describes conditions involving diffuse photoreceptor damage, predominantly unilateral, without primary choriocapillaritis. This case highlights a severe form of photoreceptoritis with diffuse photoreceptors loss, likely triggered by a herpetic labial infection. The disease was stabilized with antiviral therapy, while structural recovery of the photoreceptors was achieved through anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive treatments. This report underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing atypical retinal inflammatory disorders.

Punctate inner choroiditis and choroidal neovascular membrane formation following vitreoretinal surgery: A case report

PURPOSE

To report a case of punctate inner choroiditis (PIC) and subsequent choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) development in a young, high myope following vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 44-year-old male with high myopia underwent pars plana vitrectomy for subtotal retinal detachment in the left eye, followed by cataract extraction and silicone oil removal. Three years postoperatively, he presented with blurred vision, and fundus examination revealed PIC lesions at the posterior pole. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed characteristic features of PIC, including hyperreflective nodule-like elevations, disrupted ellipsoid and interdigitation zones, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevations and increased choroidal hyper transmission signals.

RESULTS

Initially, no treatment was initiated, and the patient was monitored. Three years later, the patient experienced further vision loss, and fundus examination showed progression of PIC lesions and new CNVM formation in the left eye. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids and an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection (Razumab® 0.5 mg/0.05 ml). Three weeks after the intervention, SD-OCT showed regression of the CNVM, and the patient's visual symptoms improved.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the importance of long-term follow-up and timely intervention in managing PIC, especially in high myopes post-retinal surgery. Early identification and treatment with systemic corticosteroids and anti-VEGF therapy are crucial to preserving visual function and preventing severe complications like CNVM.

EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES OF DISTINGUISHING PUNCTATE INNER CHOROIDOPATHY FROM MULTIFOCAL CHOROIDITIS AND PANUVEITIS

PURPOSE

This retrospective case series aimed to assess the concordance between clinical diagnoses of punctate inner choroidopathy and multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MCP) using the 2021 Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature Working Group criteria.

METHODS

Using the medical records of the patients, the authors reevaluated 100 eyes of 75 patients with idiopathic multifocal chorioretinal inflammatory lesions based on Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature criteria and compared the result with the clinical diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 100 eyes, 29 eyes (29%) were diagnosed as punctate inner choroidopathy and 15 eyes (15%) were diagnosed as MCP using Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature criteria, and 56 (56%) eyes could not be diagnosed as either. Clinically diagnosed punctate inner choroidopathy eyes were significantly more myopic than the clinically diagnosed MCP eyes (mean spherical equivalent -6.65 ± 4.63 vs. -3.85 ± 2.31, P = 0.01). Sixteen eyes with vitreous inflammation were all clinically diagnosed as MCP, but four (25%) could not be diagnosed as MCP using Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature criteria.

CONCLUSION

The existing diagnostic criteria showed limitations in capturing all clinical cases of punctate inner choroidopathy or MCP, and adding or revising criteria on features such as vitreous inflammation or myopia could be considered to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Revisiting acute retinal pigment epitheliitis (Krill disease)

We reevaluate acute retinal pigment epitheliitis (ARPE) first described by Krill and Deutman in 1972, integrating a meticulous literature review with advanced multimodal imaging analyses. Our review included 98 eyes from 86 published cases diagnosed with ARPE. We scrutinized ARPE's clinical presentations, variability, and imaging characteristics, revealing that a large majority (90 %) of cases previously diagnosed as ARPE align more closely with other retinal disorders based on modern diagnostic criteria and imaging techniques. Only a small fraction (5 eyes) did not fit into any known categories, casting doubt on ARPE's distinct existence. This underscores the critical role of multimodal imaging in redefining our understanding of macular diseases and challenges the historical classification of ARPE as a unique clinical entity.

Punctate Inner Choroidopathy (PIC) disease recurrence with inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane (iCNVM) post-COVID-19 vaccine

PURPOSE

To report a recurrence of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) with an inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane (iCNVM) after the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 38-year-old female with a history of myopia and previous episodes of PIC and iCNVM presented with distorted vision in her right eye, seven days after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The patient exhibited active PIC lesions with iCNVM confirmed on multimodal imaging. Treatment with a combination of oral corticosteroids and intravitreal anti-VEGF injection led to disease resolution. Subsequent COVID-19 vaccinations, administered while the patient was immunosuppressed, did not lead to disease relapse. However, relapse occurred following the fourth COVID-19 vaccine, when the patient was not immune suppressed.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the potential risk of PIC disease relapse following COVID-19 vaccination. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and PIC exacerbation, as well as to determine optimal management strategies in this population, including close observation and consideration of prophylactic immune suppression at the time of COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk individuals.

An update of multimodal imaging in white dot syndrome

The white dot syndromes are a group of phenotypically similar disorders characterized by multiple lesions at the level of the outer retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid. Common white dot syndromes whose imaging modalities have been described in this article are multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, acute zonal occult outer retinopathy, multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis, punctate inner choroidopathy, serpiginous choroiditis, and birdshot chorioretinopathy. The various imaging modalities help us to better understand the pathophysiology of the various entities and help in diagnosing, monitoring, and prognosticating them. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a comparatively newer tool that helps us to visualize lesions in the choroid that correlate with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) findings. Even though it is of limited value and cannot replace ICGA, it had gained considerable interest among ophthalmologists. Similarly, the noninvasive nature of modalities such as fundus autofluorescence and OCT makes them appealing and preferable over invasive techniques such as fundus fluorescein angiography and ICGA.

91-month follow-up of solitary punctate chorioretinitis in a Chinese patient

BACKGROUND

Solitary Punctate Chorioretinitis (SPC) is a recently identified form of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) characterized by a single lesion in the fovea of the macula. Previous studies with a maximum follow-up of 48 months were insufficient. Our review uncovered a case sustained for 91 months.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 28-year-old young woman experienced with sudden visual loss in her right eye. Comprehensive examinations, including assessment of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, noncontact tonometry, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), perimetry, and microperimetry, were conducted. Over 91 months, the lesion slightly enlarged, remained yellow-white and punctate, and stayed in the central macula of the posterior pole. OCT images depicted subsidence in the inner nuclear layer (INL), the outer plexiform layer (OPL), photoreceptor layer, and disruption of the external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/Bruch's membrane complex. Retinal herniation, focal choroidal excavation (FCE), and abnormal vessels in the choriocapillaris were noted. At the slab of the choriocapillaris, OCTA demonstrated that the lesion resembled a linear vascular structure, distinct from the structure of normal choriocapillaris. This confirmed the lesion as an abnormal vascular formation. FAF revealed a punctate hypo-autofluorescence lesion and abnormal hyper-autofluorescence near the optic disc and macula. FFA demonstrated a punctate hyper-fluorescent lesion inferotemporal to the fovea. The vascular structure remained stable without fluid exudation on OCT images, hence anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment was not administered. Visual acuity improved from counting fingers to 0.07 in 52 days, reached 0.6 after 15 months, remained at 0.6 from 56 to 80 months, and returned to 0.8 after 91 months, although accompanied by local scotomas. The lesion pattern slightly enlarged without scarring.

CONCLUSIONS

Throughout long-term follow-up, we had long suspected the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and found the FCE in the last visit. Eventually, we concluded that SPC could potentially constitute a distinct subtype of PIC. The patient received no treatment, and vision recovered to 0.8. If CNV is suspected in SPC, anti-VEGF treatment may not be necessary without activity on OCT, but close monitoring is essential.

Differential diagnosis of myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV): insights from multimodal imaging and treatment implications

PURPOSE

The aim of this article is to conduct a comprehensive systematic review about the current understandings and differential diagnosis of myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and other several similar diseases, describing their multimodal imaging analysis, prognostic implications, and current types of management.

METHODS

This systematic review was performed based on a search on the PubMed database of relevant papers regarding mCNV and other entities discussed in the paper, according to our current knowledge.

RESULTS

Through the integration of a multimodal imaging approach, especially optical coherence tomography (OCT), along with accurate demographic and clinical assessment, it becomes possible to effectively differentiate mCNV from similar yet heterogeneous entities. These conditions include macular hemorrhage due to new lacquer crack (LC) formation, inflammatory diseases such as punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC)/multifocal choroidits (MFC) and epiphenomenon multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (Epi-MEWDS), neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), idiopathic CNV (ICNV), dome-shaped macula (DSM) with subretinal fluid, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) humps, angioid streaks (AS), choroidal rupture (CR), and choroidal osteoma (CO). Each one of these entities will be described and discussed in this article.

CONCLUSION

Myopic choroidal neovascularization is a common retinal condition, especially among young individuals. Accurate diagnosis and differentiation from similar conditions are crucial for effective treatment. Multimodal imaging, particularly OCT, plays a crucial role in precise assessment. Future research should focus on defining biomarkers and distinguishing features to facilitate prompt treatment.

Current understanding of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR)

Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy (AZOOR) is characterized by sudden visual impairment, often presenting with scotoma and photopsia in young to middle-aged adults, showing a female predominance. This condition, distinct from genetic disorders like retinitis pigmentosa, lacks a hereditary basis and exhibits unique fundus changes and imaging features indicative of outer retinal dysfunction. Recent advancements have broadened our understanding, identifying variants like Acute Annular Outer Retinopathy (AAOR) and Multizonal outer retinopathy and retinal pigment epitheliopathy (MORR), each with specific clinical presentations and imaging characteristics. The diagnosis of AZOOR and its variants primarily relies on excluding other conditions through comprehensive evaluation, including imaging and serological testing. Treatment approaches, including the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressives, remain debated, with some evidence suggesting benefits in the early stages. The prognosis of AZOOR varies, with most patients experiencing stabilization, although complications like choroidal neovascularization may occur, requiring targeted therapy. This manuscript elucidates the complexity of AZOOR, emphasizing the necessity of high clinical suspicion and the role of advanced imaging in diagnosis and management.

Application of Ophthalmic Electrophysiology in Inflammatory Disorders of Retina and Optic Nerve

This review covers the utility of electrophysiological studies relevant to inflammatory diseases of the retina in conditions such as acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, acute zonal occult outer retinopathy, Adamantiades-Behçet disease, autoimmune retinopathy and neuro-retinopathy, birdshot chorioretinopathy, multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. Electrophysiological studies can help with the diagnosis, prognostication, evaluation of treatment effects, and follow-up for these conditions.

Photoreceptor Integrity in MEWDS: Longitudinal Structure-Function Correlations

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate structure-function correlations in multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) using microperimetry (MP) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Methods

Single-center prospective observational study including 14 eyes from 13 patients with MEWDS monitored over a median of 49.5 days (interquartile range = 29-92 days). Investigations focused on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal granularity, and the Photoreceptor Reflectivity Ratio (PRR) as a measure of photoreceptor integrity. MP assessed average retinal threshold sensitivity (RTS) and bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA) for fixation stability. A linear mixed model was used to test associations and interactions among RTS, time, and clinical variables. A hierarchical linear mixed model was used to analyze structure-function relationships, addressing both individual and location-specific variations.

Results

Overall, 2340 MP locations were tested. PRR revealed a transient decrease within 30 days post-presentation, indicative of early photoreceptor disruption, followed by a progressive increase, signaling recovery. Significantly lower foveal sensitivity (RTS = 14.8 ± 7.4 vs. 22.5 ± 4.4 decibel [dB], P = 0.04) and increased fixation spread (63% BCEA = 1.26 ± 0.97 vs. 0.48 ± 0.35 deg2, P = 0.06) were noted in eyes with foveal granularity compared to those without. A significant increase in RTS was demonstrated over time (0.066 dB/day, P < 0.001), with a central-to-peripheral gradient of improvement. The interaction between follow-up time and baseline BCVA (P < 0.001) indicated more rapid improvement in eyes with worse initial vision. There was a robust, nonlinear association between PRR and RTS across all tested locations (P < 0.001), becoming asymptotic for sensitivity losses exceeding 20 dB.

Conclusions

Photoreceptor reflectivity accurately aligned with visual function in MEWDS on longitudinal examinations. The central-to-peripheral gradient of improvement may suggest specific vulnerabilities underlying the area around the disc.

Acute-Onset Retinal Conditions Mimicking Acute Optic Neuritis: Overview and Differential Diagnosis

Acute optic neuritis (AON) is a common cause of sudden visual loss in young patients. Because of the risk of demyelinating disease, patients affected by unilateral or bilateral optic neuritis should be evaluated and treated accordingly. Despite advancements in imaging of the brain and retina, misdiagnosis of AON is not uncommon. Indeed, some acute disorders of the retina have the potential to mimic AON and their prompt diagnosis may avoid unnecessary neurologic investigation, psychological stress to the patient, and delays in treatment. This review describes uncommon retinal disorders presenting with sudden-onset visual loss and absent or subtle funduscopic manifestation that can mimic AON. Multimodal retinal imaging is essential in detecting these conditions and in their differential diagnosis. It behooves neurologists and general ophthalmologists to be aware of these entities and be familiar with multimodal imaging of the retina.