Retinal periphlebitis and retinitis in multiple sclerosis. I. Pathologic characteristics.

Eyes from 47 autopsy cases of multiple sclerosis were studied pathologically. Lymphocytic or granulomatous retinal periphlebitis was found in four cases (seven eyes); focal lymphocytic or granulomatous retinitis was present in three cases (five eyes). These findings were correlated with optic nerve changes (periphlebitis, neuritis, leptomeningitis, and atrophy), retinal venous sclerosis, uveitis, central nervous system involvement, clinical activity of disease at death, and with ultrastructural and immunopathological retinal findings.