Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy: a literature review supported by a unique case and insight

Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) is a rare disorder of unknown origin characterised by bone corpuscle pigmentation accumulation along the distribution of the retinal veins. In addition there are peripapillary pigmentary changes as well as areas of chorioretinal atrophy adjacent to the perivenular pigmentary changes. The finding of PPRCA is usually incidental and does not affect vision. The literature regarding this condition is reviewed. Its natural course has been considered controversial. Observation of the initial insult leading to PPRCA has not previously been reported. A case that provides a photographic record over 20 years of the development of this condition from the initial insult, including the gradual development of the characteristic fundus appearance, is described. The initial presentation was with a sudden reduction of vision and gross diffuse macular oedema in one eye, which was rapidly followed by similar involvement of the fellow eye despite treatment. Thus it was possible to examine the patient at the stage of the initial insult, 5 years before the development of the typical and pathognomonic retinal changes of PPRCA. The clinical and electrophysiological findings are discussed, as also is the relevance of this case to the literature reviewed.