Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome Following Acute Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

A case of secondary multiple evanescent white dot syndrome in a patient with preexisting wet age-related macular degeneration

Purpose

To report a case of secondary Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome in a patient with preexisting wet age-related macular degeneration.

Observation

A 75-year-old male on treat and extend regimen for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) presented with a sudden loss of vision and saw central dark shadow in the right eye (RE) for a duration of 1 week. There was no significant history preceding the visual loss. Examination showed a visual acuity (VA) of counting fingers at 1 meter in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. Anterior segment examination was unremarkable with dilated fundus examination showing a clear vitreous, tortuous blood vessel, a hyperemic disc and fibrosis at the macula. The left eye (LE) examination was unremarkable. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) showed fibrosis due to the previous wet AMD and hyperreflective excrescences projecting from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) outside of the old area of wet AMD. Fundus Fluorescein Angiogram (FFA) showed hyperfluorescent spots in a wreath-like pattern increasing in intensity in the early phase and showing late staining towards the late phase while Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) did not clearly delineate the lesions. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) revealed hyper Autofluorescence (AF) at the posterior pole. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) revealed a flow reduction in the choriocapillaris of the affected area. Basic blood investigations with Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL), syphilitic IgM and IgG antibodies, Quantiferon TB gold test, complete renal function tests and liver function tests were performed. All the blood investigations were within normal limits and the workup for syphilis and tuberculosis was negative. The patient was started on 1mg/kg body weight of oral prednisolone (after the non-response to low dose of oral steroids) with the diagnosis of secondary multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) secondary to wet AMD. The patient was followed up every weekly and the last visit showed improvement in visual acuity to 20/50 with resolution of lesions on FAF and OCT macula.

Conclusion and importance

Secondary MEWDS is extremely rare and unique in terms of its presentation and its association with preexisting chorioretinal disease where there is damage to the choriocapillaris- Bruch's membrane-RPE complex. This case report highlights one such rare case scenario and how multimodal imaging helps in the diagnosis, management and follow-up of patients with secondary MEWDS.

Latest advances in white spot syndromes: New findings and interpretations

White spot syndromes (WSS) pose challenges in the field of ophthalmology, particularly in terms of accurate diagnosis and effective management. However, recent advancements in multimodal imaging (MMI) have significantly contributed to our understanding of WSS, allowing for improved characterization of these inflammatory chorioretinopathies. By employing various imaging modalities, including fundus fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultra-widefield imaging, and OCT angiography, researchers and clinicians have gained valuable insights into the underlying pathophysiological changes and clinical progression of WSS. Furthermore, MMI has unveiled novel and atypical variants within the spectrum of WSS, expanding our knowledge in this field. Notably, the identification of secondary forms of WSS occurring concurrently with unrelated chorioretinal disorders has suggested a potential autoimmune mechanism underlying these conditions. The introduction of MMI has also facilitated a more comprehensive evaluation of previously ill-defined entities, such as acute zonal occult outer retinopathy, leading to improved diagnostic criteria and enhanced recognition of distinct features. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances and interpretations in WSS. By integrating MMI into the diagnosis and management of these conditions, this review aims to enhance patient outcomes and provide valuable insights into the complexities surrounding WSS.

Topographic patterns of retinal lesions in multiple evanescent white dot syndrome

PURPOSE

To demonstrate different topographic distributions of multiple-evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) and secondary MEWDS disease and to describe possible associations.

METHODS

Clinical evaluation and multimodal retinal imaging in 27 subjects with MEWDS (29 discrete episodes of MEWDS). Ophthalmic assessment included best-corrected visual acuity testing and multimodal retinal imaging with OCT, blue-light autofluorescence, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, fundus photography, and widefield pseudocolor and autofluorescence fundus imaging.

RESULTS

The topographic distribution of MEWDS lesions was centered on or around the optic disc (n = 17, 59%), centered on the macula (n = 7, 24%), sectoral (n = 2, 7%), or was indeterminate (n = 3, 10%). The MEWDS episodes either occurred in the absence ('primary MEWDS'; n = 14, 48%) or presence of concurrent chorioretinal pathology ('secondary MEWDS'; n = 15, 52%). In patients with the latter, MEWDS lesions were often centered around a coexisting chorioretinal lesion. The majority of patients in both groups experienced resolution of their symptoms and retinal changes on multimodal imaging by 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct distributions of MEWDS lesions were identified. MEWDS may occur in tandem with other chorioretinal pathology, which may impact the topography of MEWDS lesions.

Active Ocular Toxoplasmosis Associated with Simultaneous Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome

PURPOSE

We describe the association between active ocular toxoplasmosis and Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective observational case report of a patient who presented with concomitant ocular toxoplasmosis and MEWDS (Erasmus University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium). Clinical record and multimodal imaging including fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Multimodal imaging of a 25-year-old-woman that presented with concomitant active ocular toxoplasmosis and MEWDS is described. Both clinical entities regressed completely after 8 weeks under steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

Active ocular toxoplasmosis can be associated with simultaneous multiple evanescent white dot syndrome. Further reports are needed to precise and characterize this clinical relationship and its management.Abbreviations: MEWDS: Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome; Fundus Autofluorescence FAF; BCVA: Best-corrected Visual Acuity; FA: Fluorescein Angiography; ICGA: Indocyanine Green Angiography; SD-OCT: Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography; IR: Infrared.

Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE): A Comprehensive Approach and Case Series: Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy Is Necessary in a Large Proportion of Cases

Background and objectives: Acute posterior multifocal pigment epitheliopathy/acute multifocal ischaemic choriocapillaritis (APMPPE/AMIC) is part of the group of choriocapillaritis entities. The aim of this article was to report a series of patients with emphasis on the clinical presentation and treatment paradigms. Materials and Methods: Retrospective case series study performed in the Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised care (COS), Lausanne, Switzerland, on patients diagnosed from 2000 to 2021 with APMPPE/AMIC. Procedures performed at presentation and upon follow-up (when available) included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), routine ocular examination, laser flare photometry (LFP) microperimetry (when available) and visual field testing. Imaging investigations included spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)/enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT), OCT angiography (OCT-A) as well as fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography (FA, ICGA). The presence or not of prodromal systemic viral-like symptoms was noted. The localisation of lesions whether foveal or extrafoveal, divided the patients into 2 groups (foveal, peri-or parafoveal). Exclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with APMPPE/AMIC and a positive QuantiFERON test and/or VDRL-TPHA tests. Results: Nineteen (35 eyes) of 1664 new patients (1.14%) were diagnosed with APMPPE/AMIC and included in our study. 13 (68%) were male and 6 (32%) were female. The mean age was 33.1 ± 9.2 years. 16 (84%) patients mentioned a viral prodromal episode or other systemic symptoms, and 3 (16%) did not mention any episode before the onset of ocular symptoms. 15 (39%) out of 38 eyes had foveal localisation of the lesions, 20 (52.6%) had peri- or para-foveal localisations and 3 eyes were normal [3 unilateral cases (15%)]. Mean BCVA at presentation was 0.83 ± 0.24 for the whole group. It was 0.58 ± 0.28 for the group with foveal lesions, increasing to 0.97 ± 0.13 at last follow-up (p = 0.0028). For the group with extrafoveal lesions mean BCVA at presentation was 0.94 ± 0.18, improving to 1.18± 0.10 at last follow-up (p = 0.0039). 13 (68%) patients received prednisone treatment, of whom 2 (10%) received additionally at least one immunosuppressive agent, 4 (20%) patients received no treatment and in 2 patients the information was unavailable. All patients in the foveal lesion group received corticosteroid treatment except one who evolved to bilateral macular atrophy. Conclusions: APMPPE/AMIC is a primary choriocapillaritis. Although it is thought that the disease is self-limited, treatment is necessary in most cases, especially when lesions are located in the fovea.

Presumed Recurrent MEWDS following Covid-19 Vaccination

PURPOSE

To present an unusual case of recurrent multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) following the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination.

METHODS

Review of the clinical, laboratory, photographic, and angiographic records of a patient with MEWDS.

RESULTS

A 49-year-old female who had MEWDS nine years ago presented to our clinic with blurred vision in her left eye. These symptoms occurred 2 days following Covid-19 vaccination. Fundus examinations and diagnostic testing were consistent with recurrent MEWDS.

CONCLUSION

While rare, MEWDS can reoccur following Covid-19 vaccination.

Ophthalmic and Neuro-ophthalmic Manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

PURPOSE

To describe a case of inflammatory chorioretinopathy and Adie's syndrome possibly associated with COVID-19.

METHODS

Observational case report.

RESULTS

A 51-year-old woman developed fever, cough, and headache followed by retro-ocular pain and reading impairment. She tested positive for SARS-COV-2 infection by qualitative real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction. The slit-lamp and funduscopic exam revealed abnormal pupillary response and yellowish creamy deep chorioretinal lesions, which were not present in previous examinations. Instillation of pilocarpine demonstrated denervation supersensitivity, and it was suggestive of bilateral Adie tonic pupil. A comprehensive work-up ruled out other systemic, autoimmune, or infectious diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

This case illustrates the possible association between multifocal chorioretinitis and Adie's syndrome, and the SARS-COV-2 infection in humans. Further investigation of virus infectivity specifically within ocular tissues has to be conducted.

[SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and the eye: An update on published data]

La pandémie de COVID-19 a bouleversé notre quotidien d’ophtalmologiste. Cette revue générale propose dans un premier temps de mieux faire connaissance avec le virus responsable de la pandémie, le SARS-CoV-2, et des atteintes cliniques du COVID-19. La seconde partie détaille la physiopathologie, les signes cliniques et les enjeux des atteintes oculaires, finalement rares et qui semblent peu sévères sur le plan fonctionnel, mais qui sont potentiellement source de contamination. Enfin, nous abordons les mesures préventives à mettre en place pour éviter toute dissémination virale en consultation d’ophtalmologie.

Quantitative analysis of retinal and choriocapillary vascular density of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome by optical coherence tomography angiography

PURPOSE

To describe optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and other multimodal imaging features of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS).

METHODS

The retinal and choriocapillary vascular density of MEWDS patients were measured by OCTA (OptoVue Inc.) in the acute and recovery phases. And other multimodal imaging data were also retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients with a mean age of 26.5 ± 6.99 years were included. Three patients were complicated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The mean baseline logMAR BCVA of the affected eyes was 0.52 ± 0.36 (Snellen equivalent 20/50). OCTA revealed significant reductions in vascular densities of deep capillary plexus (45.72 ± 3.70%, P = 0.0007), and choriocapillaris (46.08 ± 3.22%, P < 0.0001) of the affected eyes compared with the contralateral eyes (50.23 ± 4.06% and 52.28 ± 4.19%, respectively) in the acute phase. During the recovery phases, vascular densities of deep capillary plexus (49.50 ± 3.15%, P < 0.0001) and choriocapillaris (53.67 ± 2.58%, P < 0.0001) increased significantly in the affected eyes while those of the superficial capillary plexus remained stable. SD-OCT revealed an increase of the subfoveal choroidal thickness and disruption of the outer retinal layer, including ellipsoid zone discontinuities and the accumulation of hyperreflective material, corresponding to the hypofluorescent spots and dots on ICGA, respectively. BCVA increased to normal values after recovery, together with restoration of the structural morphology and choroidal thickness on SD-OCT, except in eyes with CNV.

CONCLUSION

The inner retinal layer and choroid can be secondarily transiently compromised in MEWDS. MEWDS complicated with CNV is associated with worse visual outcomes.