Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome: clinical course and factors influencing visual acuity recovery

Comprehensive insights into COVID-19 vaccine-associated multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS): A systematic analysis of reported cases

Considering the widespread use of COVID-19 vaccines as a preventive measure against the spread of the virus, it's necessary to direct attention to the adverse effects associated with vaccines in a limited group of populations. Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) following COVID-19 vaccination is a rare adverse reaction associated with COVID-19 vaccines. In this systematic review, we collected 19 articles with 27 patients up to November 1, 2023, summarizing the basic information, clinical manifestations, examinations, treatments, and recoveries of the 27 patients. The 27 enrolled patients (6 males, 21 females) had a median age of 34.1 years (15-71 years old) and were mainly from 5 regions: Asia (8), the Mediterranean region (8), North America (7), Oceania (3) and Brazil (1). Symptoms occurred post-first dose in 9 patients, post-second dose in 14 (1 with symptoms after both), post-third dose in 1, and both post-second and booster doses in 1, while details on 2 cases were not disclosed. Treatments included tapered oral steroids (6), topical steroids (3), tapered prednisone with antiviral drugs and vitamins (1), and valacyclovir and acetazolamide (1), while 16 received no treatment. All patients experienced symptom improvement, and nearly all patients ultimately recovered. Moreover, we summarized possible hypotheses concerning the mechanism of COVID-19 vaccine-associated MEWDS. The findings provide insights into the clinical aspects of COVID-19 vaccine-associated MEWDS. More attention should be given to patients with vaccine-associated MEWDS, and necessary treatment should be provided to patients experiencing a substantial decline in visual acuity to improve their quality of life.

EOG and the En-Face Inner Segment/Outer Segment-Ellipsoid Complex Image in Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome

Introduction

This study presents a rare case of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) with atypical electrooculogram (EOG) findings, as well as abnormal en-face images of minimum intensity projection (Min-IP) and the en-face inner segment/outer segment-ellipsoid complex.

Methods

A 25-year-old female patient presented with painless visual impairment and photopsia in her right eye for a duration of two days. Multimodal imaging was employed including color fundus photography (CFP), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and en-face images of Min-IP and the en-face inner segment/outer segment-ellipsoid complex were performed.

Results

In the right eye, multifocal small white spots were observed surrounding the posterior pole and optic disc of retina with the granular appearance of the fovea. FAF displayed of hyperfluorescence. SD-OCT appearance of MEWDS demonstrated primarily disrupted ellipsoid zone (EZ), photoreceptor outer segments, and interdigitation zone (IZ) complex within the fovea. The en-face images of the inner segment/outer segment-ellipsoid complex and Min-IP exhibited hyperreflective spots in the right eye. In the left eye, interestingly, hyperreflective spots were also observed on the en-face image of the inner segment/outer segment-ellipsoid complex. EOG revealed an Arden ratio of 2.5 for the right eye, while the left eye exhibited an Arden ratio of 1.7.

Conclusion

The en-face image of the inner segment/outer segment-ellipsoid complex in MEWDS exhibits aberrant features and it is noteworthy that a similar alteration may occur in the fellow eye. Further investigation is required to explore the relationship between MEWDS and EOG. The en-face images of the inner segment/outer segment-ellipsoid complex and Min-IP may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of MEWDS.

Increased incidence and diverse manifestations of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic

The advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the incidence and course of various diseases and numerous studies have investigated ocular involvement associated with COVID-19 and corresponding vaccines. In this study, we compared the incidence of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic at a single center in Korea and analyzed the demographic and clinical features of patients with MEWDS presenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. We categorized patients with MEWDS into two groups according to date of diagnosis. Pre-COVID19 group included patients diagnosed during the pre-pandemic period (between March 11, 2017, and March 10, 2020), whereas post-COVID19 group included patients diagnosed during the pandemic period (between March 11, 2020, and March 10, 2023). 6 and 12 patients were included in pre-COVID19 group and post-COVID19 group, respectively. Among all hospital visits during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, 0.011% and 0.030% were due to MEWDS, indicating a significant increase during the pandemic (p = 0.029, B = 2.756). The annual incidence of patients with MEWDS in 2017-2022 were 0.73, 0.75, 0.78, 1.32, 2.49, and 2.07 per 10,000 population, respectively, corresponding to a significant increase (p = 0.039, B = 1.316). Our results imply that the incidence and manifestation of MEWDS are likely to become more diverse in the COVID-19 pandemic era.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PRIMARY MULTIPLE EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME AND MULTIPLE EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME SECONDARY TO MULTIFOCAL CHOROIDITIS/PUNCTATE INNER CHOROIDOPATHY: A Comparative Study

PURPOSE

To present and compare the clinical features and multimodal imaging (MMI) findings of the primary form of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) and MEWDS secondary to multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy (MFC/PIC).

METHODS

A prospective case series. Thirty eyes of 30 MEWDS patients were included and divided into the primary MEWDS group and MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC group. Demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics and MEWDS-related MMI findings of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Seventeen eyes from 17 patients with primary MEWDS and 13 eyes from 13 patients with MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC were evaluated. Patients with MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC tended to have a higher degree of myopia than those with primary MEWDS. No other significant differences in demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics and MMI findings were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

"MEWDS-like reaction" hypothesis seems to be correct for MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC, and the authors highlight the importance of MMI examinations in MEWDS. Further research is needed to confirm whether the hypothesis is applicable to other forms of secondary MEWDS.

Recurrent Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS) Following First Dose and Booster of the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 Vaccine: Case Report and Review of Literature

To report a rare case of a patient with two recurrent episodes of Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS) associated with the second dose and second booster of the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna), and to perform a literature review on COVID-19-vaccine-associated MEWDS. Case Report: A 31-year-old female was evaluated for a temporal scotoma and photopsias that started two weeks after the second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Dilated fundus findings were remarkable for unilateral, small whitish-yellow dots scattered around posterior pole of the left eye, consistent with a diagnosis of MEWDS. The symptoms resolved three months later without treatment. Approximately one year after the first vaccine, the patient received the second Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster and experienced a recurrence of symptoms with an enlarged scotoma and similar examination findings. The patient was treated with a course of systemic corticosteroids with subsequent clinical improvement. Conclusion: Although uveitis following COVID-19 vaccines is rare, our case highlights a need for increased awareness amongst practitioners regarding COVID-19-vaccine-associated onset or recurrence of ocular inflammatory diseases.

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS): update on practical appraisal, diagnosis and clinicopathology; a review and an alternative comprehensive perspective

BACKGROUND

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is a rare inflammatory eye condition affecting the outer retina as a consequence of choriocapillaris non perfusion. The pathophysiology of MEWDS will be discussed based clinical appraisal and on multimodal imaging appraisal.

METHODS

Narrative review and perspective opinion.

RESULTS

Literature review results helped us to put forward (1) the specific symptomatology (decreased/blurred vision, photopsia, subjective scotomas), (2) the ill-asserted character of clinical findings (foveal granularity, white dots in fundoscopy), (3) and the crucial importance of multimodal imaging with the diagnostic triad of ICGA hypofluorescent areas, BL-FAF hyperautofluorescent areas and loss/damage of IS/OS-ellipsoid zone on SD-OCT that characterise the disease and can practically help the clinician to diagnose MEWDS. A comprehensive alternative perspective of the disease was formulated.

CONCLUSIONS

The bulk of evidence that we are presenting in this review, thanks to new performing non-invasive and invasive imaging modalities, is sufficiently compelling to consider MEWDS as a primary choriocapillaritis/inflammatory choriocapillaropathy. Multimodal imaging allows the clinician to diagnose MEWDS with a high level of certainty and ensures a precise follow-up.

Placoid lesions of the retina: progress in multimodal imaging and clinical perspective

Placoid lesions of the retina may be secondary to a wide spectrum of acquired inflammatory conditions that have been reported as single entities with different presentation and clinical course. These conditions include acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, persistent placoid maculopathy, serpiginous choroiditis, serpiginous-like choroiditis, relentless placoid chorioretinitis and acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis. In this article, we will group these conditions under the name of 'placoids'. The recognition of the specific condition may be challenging in clinical practice, often resulting in diagnostic and therapeutic delay. Given the complex nature of placoids and their similarities, a systematic approach including differentiating between infectious and non-infectious aetiologies increases the chance of reaching the correct diagnosis. Detailed history and comprehensive clinical examination are the first steps to formulate a diagnostic hypothesis that should be corroborated by multimodal imaging and appropriate investigations. The advent of multimodal imaging has made it possible to extensively study placoids and revealed a constellation of specific findings that may help clinicians in the diagnostic process. The treatment of the conditions other than syphilis is complex and sometimes challenging. Our article is aimed at giving an overview of the individual entities associated with placoids and discussing the differential diagnosis. A practical and systematic approach is then proposed.