Unilateral pigmentary retinopathy--a review of literature and case presentation

Rom J Ophthalmol. 2016 Jan-Mar;60(1):47-52.

Abstract

Objectives: To report a rare case of unilateral pigmentary retinopathy and describe the clinical and visual field characteristics of this particular case.

Methods: We present the case of a 30-year-old male patient with a gradual loss of the visual field on his left eye (LE) for the past 10 years, with further gradual painless loss of his central visual field in the last year, and no similar symptoms in his right eye. His past medical and ocular history were unremarkable. No family history of acquired or inherited diseases was determined.

Results: Based on the history, clinical findings, and visual field examination, the diagnosis of unilateral pigmentary retinopathy was established. Visual acuity and visual field in the left eye (LE) were severely affected, while in the right eye (RE), they were completely normal.

Conclusions: In this case, distinct features of pigmentary retinopathy were observed only in one eye, with the fellow eye being unaffected. The diagnosis requires a long follow-up period, visual field and electrophysiological testing to rule out a delayed onset of a bilateral form of pigmentary retinopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Electroretinography
  • Female
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / diagnosis*
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / physiopathology
  • Scotoma / physiopathology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Field Tests* / methods