Fundus autofluorescence in birdshot chorioretinopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the characteristics of fundus autofluorescence in birdshot chorioretinopathy (BSCR).


METHODS
Retrospective, observational case series.


METHODS
Sixteen eyes of 8 consecutive patients with BSCR (3 men, 5 women).


METHODS
Color and autofluorescence photography and optical coherence tomograms of patients with BSCR seen in a referral practice were evaluated.


METHODS
Autofluorescent characteristics in BSCR.


RESULTS
The 8 patients ranged in age from 35 to 73 years (mean, 56.9 years). Of the 16 eyes, 11 eyes (69%) of 6 patients had retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy as evidenced by hypoautofluorescent regions. Some of the hypoautofluorescent areas corresponded to the hypopigmented birdshot lesions, but the others did not necessarily show a correspondence. Eight eyes (50%) of 4 patients showed linear hypoautofluorescent streaks along the retinal vessels, most of which corresponded to visible changes at the level of the RPE. Placoid hypoautofluorescence in the macula was seen in 6 eyes (38%) of 3 patients and was correlated significantly with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50 or less (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Autofluorescence photography demonstrated the RPE atrophy, which was hard to see by other means of investigation. The areas of RPE atrophy did not necessarily correspond to the hypopigmented lesions, which suggested that both the choroid and the RPE can be affected independently. Retinal pigment epithelium atrophy in the macula may be an important cause of poor central visual acuity in eyes with BSCR.
Koizumi
Hideki
H
Vitreous-Retina-Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York 10022, USA.
Pozzoni
Maria C
MC
Spaide
Richard F
RF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001284:Atrophy; D015862:Choroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008062:Lipofuscin / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D015866:Uveitis, Posterior / Q000175:diagnosis*
D008062:Lipofuscin