Chorioretinitis
Inflammation of choroid and retina, a vision-threatening posterior uveitis.
Last updated
Chorioretinitis is an inflammation of the choroid and retina of the eye, classified as a form of posterior uveitis. It is a potentially vision-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment to eliminate inflammation and minimize therapy risks.
Quick Facts
- Field
- Ophthalmology
- Known for
- Inflammation of choroid and retina, often caused by toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus
- Symptoms
- Floating black spots
- blurred vision
- pain or redness
- sensitivity to light
- excessive tearing
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Chorioretinitis involves inflammation of the choroid, a thin pigmented vascular coat, and the retina. When only the choroid is inflamed, it is termed choroiditis. The condition is often caused by toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus infections, particularly in immunodeficient individuals such as those with HIV/AIDS or on immunosuppressant drugs. Congenital toxoplasmosis can also lead to chorioretinitis along with hydrocephalus and cerebral calcifications.
Reader's Guide
Chorioretinitis is a significant cause of vision loss, particularly in immunocompromised populations. Diagnosis relies on direct examination of active chorioretinal inflammation or detection of leukocytes in the vitreous humor.
Treatment typically combines corticosteroids and antibiotics, with specific therapy for underlying causes like HIV. A 2012 Cochrane Review found weak evidence that ivermectin may reduce chorioretinal lesions in onchocercal eye disease, but more research is needed. The condition's association with multiple infectious and inflammatory diseases underscores its importance in differential diagnosis of posterior uveitis.
More in Steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Chorioretinitis (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Word definitions: the Codexery glossary, each quoted from its Wikipedia article.
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