Multi-modal imaging and anatomic classification of the white dot syndromes

Int J Retina Vitreous. 2017 Mar 20:3:12. doi: 10.1186/s40942-017-0069-8. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

The white dot syndromes (WDS) are a diverse group of posterior uveitidies that share similar clinical findings but are unique from one another. Multimodal imaging has allowed us to better understand the morphology, the activity and age of lesions, and whether there is CNV associated with these different ocular pathologies. The "white dot syndromes" and their uveitic masqueraders can now be anatomically categorized based on lesion localization. The categories include local uveitic syndromes with choroidal pathology, systemic uveitic syndromes with choroidal pathology, and multifocal choroiditis with outer retinal/choriocapillaris pathology with uveitis and without uveitis. Neoplastic and infectious etiologies are also discussed given their ability to masquerade as WDS.

Keywords: Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy; Birdshot chorioretinopathy; Multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis; Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome; Punctate inner choroidopathy; Relentless placoid chorioretinitis; Serpiginous choroiditis; Sympathetic ophthalmia; Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease; White dot syndromes.

Publication types

  • Review