OBJECTIVE: To describe new features and ocular coherence tomographic scans of individuals with West African crystalline maculopathy (WACM). DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: All 14 patients with WACM identified in the medical retina clinic during a 6-month period. METHODS: Full ophthalmic examination and high-resolution ocular coherence tomographic imaging and fluorescein angiography where indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ethnicity and dietary history of individuals, location of crystals, and associated retinal comorbidity. RESULTS: Patients originated from several West African countries. Two patients had unilateral WACM. The crystals were yellow-green in color, birefringent, and located in the layer of Henle of the fovea. Coexistent retinal pathology was present in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Several new features of the condition are described. Breakdown of the blood retinal barrier may play a role in the formation of the crystals.
OBJECTIVE: To describe new features and ocular coherence tomographic scans of individuals with West African crystalline maculopathy (WACM). DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: All 14 patients with WACM identified in the medical retina clinic during a 6-month period. METHODS: Full ophthalmic examination and high-resolution ocular coherence tomographic imaging and fluorescein angiography where indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ethnicity and dietary history of individuals, location of crystals, and associated retinal comorbidity. RESULTS:Patients originated from several West African countries. Two patients had unilateral WACM. The crystals were yellow-green in color, birefringent, and located in the layer of Henle of the fovea. Coexistent retinal pathology was present in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Several new features of the condition are described. Breakdown of the blood retinal barrier may play a role in the formation of the crystals.
Authors: Michael E Kalu; Blessing U Ojembe; Olayinka Akinrolie; Augustine C Okoh; Israel I Adandom; Henrietta C Nwankwo; Michael S Ajulo; Chidinma A Omeje; Chukwuebuka O Okeke; Ekezie M Uduonu; Juliet C Ezulike; Ebuka M Anieto; Diameta Emofe; Ernest C Nwachukwu; Michael C Ibekaku; Perpetual C Obi Journal: J Glob Health Date: 2021-06-26 Impact factor: 7.664