Further Insight Into West African Crystalline Maculopathy

A case of African crystalline maculopathy

“…The condition is usually benign and previous reports have not shown progression. [3][4][5] The continuing reduction in VA in the present case and the markedly reduced PERG and mfERG suggested progressive macular dysfunction, which was confirmed by 3D-OCT demonstration of bilateral disruption of the photoreceptor IS/OS layer. To our knowledge, this is the first case of progressive macular dysfunction in association with E-RCI.…”

“…Subsequent reports of patients with similar clinical findings have expanded to other West African countries, including Liberia, Cameroon, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. 1,3,4 A recent report showed the crystals to be in Henle's layer using optical coherence tomography. 3 The pathogenesis of these crystals is unknown, although retinal vascular disease, with breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, has been suggested as a possible cause.…”

“…1,3,4 A recent report showed the crystals to be in Henle's layer using optical coherence tomography. 3 The pathogenesis of these crystals is unknown, although retinal vascular disease, with breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, has been suggested as a possible cause. 3,4 Regional food and diet peculiarities have also been considered as possible aetiologic agents.…”

“…3 The pathogenesis of these crystals is unknown, although retinal vascular disease, with breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, has been suggested as a possible cause. 3,4 Regional food and diet peculiarities have also been considered as possible aetiologic agents. 2,3 In contrast to previously published cases of WACM, our patient originated from East Africa, in Egypt, a country which shares ethnic and historical connections with the Middle East and is culturally distinct from West Africa.…”

“…3,4 Regional food and diet peculiarities have also been considered as possible aetiologic agents. 2,3 In contrast to previously published cases of WACM, our patient originated from East Africa, in Egypt, a country which shares ethnic and historical connections with the Middle East and is culturally distinct from West Africa. 5 Given the similarities of our East African patient to previously reported cases of WACM, we believe the more appropriate term for this condition may be African crystalline maculopathy.…”