Clinical features and treatment of serpiginous choroiditis

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics,the fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA) features and effects of treatment of serpiginous choroiditis.Methods The clinical data and FFA results of 14 patients(26 eyes) with serpiginous choroiditis were collected and examined in our hospital from November 1999 to July 2006.The clinical characteristics.the FFA features and the effects of treatment of the patients with serpiginous choroiditis were observed.Results Among the 26 eyes of the 14 patients with serpiginous choroiditis,there were 6 males and 8 females and the average age was 45.6 years.Based on the appearance of the fundus lesions,two forms of the distinct clinical presentations have been classified as the classic peripillary grographic choroiditis 11 cases and the macular serpiginous choroiditis 3 cases.Early features of FFA were hypofluorsence secondary to the atrophy of choriocapillaris and progressive hyperfluorescence at the margins of the lesion with eventual diffuse late staining of the underlying sclera and fibrosis.After the treatment with corticosteroids,the visual acuity of 8 cases were improved,3 cases were stable and 3 cases were worsen.Conclusions Serpiginous choroiditis is a rare bilateral and chronic progressive intraocular inflammation.The retina pigment epithelium and the choroid choriocapillaris were mainly involved.The etiology was unknown.Early detection and treatment timely may prevent the permanent visual damage. Key words: Serpiginous choroiditis; Macular serpiginous choroiditis; Fundus fluorescein angiography