Clinical profile, treatment, and visual outcome of serpiginous choroiditis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to report the clinical profile and management of patients with serpiginous choroiditis in a tertiary care referral center in India. In a retrospective cohort study, 107 eyes of 70 patients with serpiginous choroiditis seen between January 1995 and December 2002 were analyzed. Systemic steroids and immunosuppressives were the mainstay of therapy. Antituberculous and antiviral drugs were used in selected cases. There was male preponderance (7:3). Age at presentation ranged from 11 years to 52 years (mean 30.3 +/- 9 years); 52.9% had bilateral involvement. Vision improved or maintained in 86% eyes and deteriorated in 15 eyes (14%). The main cause of decrease of vision was macular involvement. Improvement in vision and resolution of lesions in patients with serpiginous choroiditis can occur with combination therapy of systemic steroids and immunosuppressive agents. Serial examination at regular intervals is needed to monitor the disease progression, recurrences, and involvement of the other eye.