Progression of retinal pigmentation mimicking unilateral retinitis pigmentosa after bilateral pars planitis: a case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To report our findings in a young patient with unilateral retinitis pigmentosa (RP)-like appearance who developed pigmentary changes in his left retina after an episode of bilateral pars planitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-year-old man presented with 6 months of blurry vision in both eyes. He was diagnosed with bilateral pars planitis. Progressive, intraretinal bone crepuscule pigmentation developed in his left retina during the following three months. An electroretinogram showed subnormal response only in the left eye, suggesting the diagnosis of unilateral pseudoRP. CONCLUSION: An inflammatory disease like pars planitis can accelerate the pigmentation of the retina and mimic a RP in young patients. Causes of pseudoRP may be considered, especially in those rare cases with unilateral affection.