What causes APMPPE?
The exact etiology of APMPPE is unknown, however some believe that it is secondary to a delayed-type hypersensitivity-induced occlusive vasculitis. Gass originally posited that inflammation of the outer retina and RPE causes the APMPPE phenotype.
Is APMPPE an autoimmune disease?
The syndrome of APMPPE has also been associated with other systemic autoimmune diseases such as necrotizing vasculitis,21 Wegener granulomatosis,22 cerebral vasculitis,23 polyarteritis nodosa,24 and ulcerative colitis.
What are white dot syndromes?
The white dot syndromes are a group of idiopathic multifocal inflammatory conditions involving the retina and the choroid. They are characterized by the appearance of white dots in the fundus.
What is retinal pigment Epitheliopathy?
Epitheliopathy or acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) refers to an acquired inflammatory illness affecting the retinal pigment epithelium. It can affect one or both eyes, and is characterized by multiple yellowish white or light-colored lesions that form in the retina.
What is APMPPE eye disease?
Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a rare eye disorder of unknown (idiopathic) cause. The disorder is characterized by the impairment of central vision in one eye (unilateral) but, within a few days, the second eye may also become affected (bilateral).
What is Serpiginous Choroiditis?
Serpiginous Choroiditis is a rare recurrent eye disorder characterized by irregularly shaped (serpiginous) lesions involving two layers of the eye surface (the retinal pigment epithelium and the choriocapillaris). No symptoms are apparent unless a specific area of the retina (macula) is damaged.
What is PIC eye disease?
Punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) is an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the choroid (vascular layer) of the eye. It most commonly occurs in young, near-sighted (myopic) women. The symptoms and severity may vary from person to person.
Is white dot syndrome rare?
The white dot syndromes are a heterogeneous group of uncommon inflammatory disorders affecting the retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and choroid. All of these disorders are relatively uncommon, share some similarities in appearance, and may be difficult to accurately diagnose.
What causes retinal pigmentation?
What causes RP? RP is an inherited disorder that results from harmful changes in any one of more than 50 genes. These genes carry the instructions for making proteins that are needed in cells within the retina, called photoreceptors.
What are the pigments in retina?
Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoid pigments of the xanthophyll subclass, are present in high concentrations in the retina, especially in the macula. They work as a filter protecting the macula from blue light and also as a resident antioxidant and free radical scavenger to reduce oxidative stress-induced damage.
What are the findings of retinal pigment epitheliopathy?
The findings are primarily in the retinal pigment epithelium but Bruch’s membrane is also involved. Choroidal neovascularization and macular scarring may be present. The fundus pigmentary pattern has been described as resembling “dried-out soil” or crocodile skin.
What is acute posterior multifocal pigment epitheliopathy ( APMPPE )?
Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is an acquired, inflammatory eye condition affecting the retina, retinal pigment epithelium (pigmented layer of the retina), and choroid.
What is the disease of inner choroid and retinal pigment?
Serpiginous choroiditis, also called geographic helicoid peripapillary choroidopathy, is a rare, inflammatory disease of unknown cause (idiopathic) affecting the inner choroid and retinal pigment epithelium.
What causes the loss of black pigment in the retina?
Destruction of retinal pigment epithelium, migration of black pigment, extreme narrowing of retinal vessels, optic disc pallor. Usually caused by hereditary disorders (“retinitis pigmentosa”), rarely by paraneoplastic or other autoimmune disorders, intra-uterine inflammatory, and acquired toxic-metabolic-neurodegenerative disorders.