Importance of proper diagnosis for management: multifocal choroiditis mimicking ocular histoplasmosis syndrome
2011

Multifocal Choroiditis Mimicking Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome

Sample size: 9 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hatef Elham, Turkcuoglu Peykan, Ibrahim Mohamed, Sepah Yasir, Shulman Matthew, Heo Jangwon, Lee Jeong Hee, Channa Roomasa, Khwaja Afsheen, Rentiya Zubir, Shah Syed Mahmood, Do Diana V., Nguyen Quan Dong

Primary Institution: Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Can multifocal choroiditis be misdiagnosed as ocular histoplasmosis syndrome?

Conclusion

Multifocal choroiditis may initially appear as ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, and proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • Histoplasma antigen/antibody tests were negative in all patients.
  • Five patients showed active inflammation confirmed by imaging.
  • Visual acuity stabilized or improved in three patients on immunomodulatory therapy.

Takeaway

Some eye problems that look like one disease might actually be another, so doctors need to check carefully to give the right medicine.

Methodology

Retrospective review of nine patients with initial diagnosis of ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, including serology and imaging studies.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to retrospective nature and limited patient history.

Limitations

The study is retrospective with a small sample size and short follow-up duration.

Participant Demographics

Eight women and one man, aged 26–69 years (median: 38 years).

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s12348-010-0016-4

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication