Punctate inner choroiditis
Punctate Inner Choroiditis Punctate Inner Choroiditis (PIC) is a rare inflammatory eye condition that primarily affects young myopic women. It is characterized by the presence of small, yellow-white lesions in the choroid, which is the vascular layer of the eye between the retina and the sclera. This condition can lead to significant visual impairment if not properly managed.
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Patients with PIC typically present with symptoms such as blurred vision, scotomas (blind spots), and photopsia (flashes of light). The onset is often sudden, and the condition can affect one or both eyes. The retina may show signs of inflammation, and the lesions can lead to complications such as choroidal neovascularization.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of PIC is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune process. The immune system mistakenly attacks the choroidal tissue, leading to inflammation and the characteristic lesions. The role of genetic and environmental factors in the development of PIC is still under investigation.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of PIC is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography are commonly used to visualize the lesions and assess the extent of choroidal involvement. Indocyanine green angiography can also be helpful in identifying the lesions.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of PIC focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing complications. Corticosteroids are often used as the first line of treatment to reduce inflammation. In cases where corticosteroids are not effective or cause significant side effects, immunosuppressive agents may be considered. Anti-VEGF therapy is used to treat choroidal neovascularization.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for patients with PIC varies. Some patients experience a single episode with no recurrence, while others may have multiple episodes leading to progressive vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preserving vision.
Research and Future Directions[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research is focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of PIC and developing targeted therapies. Advances in imaging techniques continue to improve the ability to diagnose and monitor the disease.
See Also[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
- [National Eye Institute - Punctate Inner Choroiditis](https://www.nei.nih.gov)
- [Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network](https://www.rarediseasesnetwork.org)
NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]
Punctate inner choroiditis is a rare disease.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
