Further insight into West African crystalline maculopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe new features and ocular coherence tomographic scans of individuals with West African crystalline maculopathy (WACM).


METHODS
Prospective observational case series.


METHODS
All 14 patients with WACM identified in the medical retina clinic during a 6-month period.


METHODS
Full ophthalmic examination and high-resolution ocular coherence tomographic imaging and fluorescein angiography where indicated.


METHODS
Ethnicity and dietary history of individuals, location of crystals, and associated retinal comorbidity.


RESULTS
Patients originated from several West African countries. Two patients had unilateral WACM. The crystals were yellow-green in color, birefringent, and located in the layer of Henle of the fovea. Coexistent retinal pathology was present in all patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Several new features of the condition are described. Breakdown of the blood retinal barrier may play a role in the formation of the crystals.
Rajak
Saul N
SN
St Thomas' Hospital, London, England.
Mohamed
Moin D
MD
Pelosini
Lucia
L
D000328:Adult; D000354:Africa, Western / Q000208:ethnology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001718:Birefringence; D001813:Blood-Retinal Barrier; D015897:Comorbidity; D003460:Crystallization; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology*; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence