[Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) in a non-endemic area]

Abstract

Background: POHS is a chorioretinal disease rarely occurring in non-endemic areas.

Methods: We present the case of a 35-year old male patient with symptoms of dry eyes, but subjectively no other ocular complaints. However, visual acuity of the right eye was 20/20, but only 20/200 in the left eye.

Results: On fundoscopic examination both eyes showed alterations consistent with all four typical features of presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome. In both eyes in the mid-periphery punched-out chorioretinal spots were found, an extensive peripapillary atrophy and peripheral linear chorioretinal streaks were seen. Moreover, in the left eye an atrophic macular scar existed, presumably due to subretinal neovascularisation. The macula of the right eye was normal, serology testing for Histoplasma capsulatum negative.

Conclusions: As the patient had never travelled to endemic areas such as the USA but exhibited all features of POHS, the case shows that POHS may also occur in European, non-endemic areas. This further supports the theory that other factors play a role in the etiopathology of this syndrome.