Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: To study the clinical and angiographic features of lesions in a case series of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS), to describe a newly recognized clinical variation of the disorder, and to gain insight into its pathophysiological nature. Methods: Five patients with MEWDS (selected based on angiographic manifestations of the disorder) were examined using slitlamp biomicroscopy and studied using fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography. Results: All 5 patients exhibited the newly recognized angiographic features termed dots and spots, which varied in size and location in the fundus. Small dots were in the inner retina or at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium, and larger spots were more external in the subpigment epithelial area. All patients exhibited other characteristics typical of MEWDS, including field loss and foveal granularity. Conclusions: In this case series of MEWDS, a clinical variant consisting of dual-layered lesions with specific features on clinical examination, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography was identified. On late indocyanine green angiography, these lesions produced highly specific findings of small hypofluorescent lesions overlying larger hypofluorescent lesions. Based on the angiographic findings, it seems as if MEWDS is a chorioretinopathy with varying degrees of retinal and choroidal involvement. ©2006 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.