Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy in a patient with graft-versus-host disease

Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 Dec;138(6):1058-60. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.06.042.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of bilateral central vision loss in a patient with graft-versus-host disease.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: A 43-year-old man with graft-versus-host disease developed acute painless progressive central vision loss, first in the left eye and then in the right. The patient underwent slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, visual field testing, full-field electroretinography, multifocal electroretinography, and testing for paraneoplastic antibodies.

Results: Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography were unremarkable. Goldmann perimetry revealed enlarged blind spots with central scotomas bilaterally. An electroretinogram testing showed asymmetric retinal dysfunction, consistent with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. No paraneoplastic autoantibodies were detected. The patient continued to have asymmetric progressive vision loss that stabilized over the next 6 months.

Conclusions: Graft-versus-host disease should be included in the autoimmune conditions associated with AZOOR.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Electroretinography
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Graft vs Host Disease / complications*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ophthalmoscopy
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Vision Disorders / diagnosis
  • Vision Disorders / etiology*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Field Tests
  • Visual Fields