Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers

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Volume 32 (2) * March/April 2001 * Case Report (abstract)

Chorioretinitis Sclopetaria from BB Ex Memoria

Clifton S. Otto, MD; Karen L. Nixon, MD; Robert A. Mazzoli, MD, FACS; William R. Raymond IV, MD, FACS; Darryl J. Ainbinder, MD; Elizabeth A. Hansen, MD; Thaddeus J. Krolicki, MD

ABSTRACT

Chorioretinitis sclopetaria presents a characteristic pattern of choroidal and retinal changes caused by a high velocity projectile passing into the orbit, in close proximity to the globe. While it is unlikely that a patient should completely forget the trauma causing such damage, preserved or compensated visual function may blur the patient’s memory of these events over time. Characteristic physical findings help to clarify the antecedent history. Despite the lack of an acknowledged history of ocular trauma or surgery, in our case, the characteristic ocular findings discovered at presentation allowed for recognition of the underlying etiology. Because of good visual function, the patient had completely forgotten about the trauma that occurred 12 years earlier. Strabismus surgery was performed for treatment of the presenting symptomatic diplopia. The pathognomonic findings in chorioretinitis sclopetaria are invaluable in correctly diagnosing this condition, especially when a history of ocular trauma is unavailable. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2001;32:152-155]

AUTHORS

From the Department of Ophthalmology, Madigan Army Medical Center, (CSO, KLN, RAM, WRR, DJA, EAH), Tacoma, Washington; Department of Ophthalmology (Surgery), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, (RAM, EAH), Bethesda, Maryland; and the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin, (TJK), Wausau, Wisconsin.

Accepted for publication July 24, 2000. Department of Defense Disclaimer: The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the view of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

Address reprint requests to Clifton S. Otto, MD, Madigan Army Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tacoma, WA, 98431 [email: Clifton.Otto@nw.amedd.army.mil].

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