Unifocal helioid choroiditis
P. H. Hong, L. M. Jampol, D. G. Dodwell, N. F. Hrisomalos and A. T. Lyon
Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill., USA.
OBJECTIVE: To report a previously undescribed clinical entity involving an
unusual inflammatory lesion of the choroid. PATIENTS: Six young, healthy
patients experienced acute unilateral visual loss secondary to unifocal
choroiditis in the macula. RESULTS: All patients exhibited a solitary,
elevated, yellow-white active focus of choroiditis with overlying
subretinal fluid and in some cases subretinal hemorrhaging. The lesions
were approximately 1 disc diameter in size and, on follow-up, showed
minimal growth, then gradual resolution of the subretinal fluid. No other
signs of ocular inflammation were noted, except in 1 patient who had
anterior chamber and vitreous inflammation. In the 3 patients with
prolonged follow-up, elevated white plaquelike lesions persisted with
little change over time. Relapses were seen, and some permanent visual loss
occurred in 1 of the 3 patients. Systemic evaluations revealed no
definitive etiology. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, these patients exhibit
an undescribed clinical entity, separable from previously established
choroidal disorders. The cause of the lesions remains uncertain. We call
this entity "unifocal helioid choroiditis."
