Detection of localized retinal dysfunction in a choroideremia carrier

Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 Jan;137(1):189-91. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(03)00783-9.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate severe unilateral vision loss in a choroideremia carrier.

Design: Case report.

Methods: Ocular examination, genetic testing, Humphrey visual fields, full-field and multifocal (mf) electroretinogram (ERG) tests were used to study a family with choroideremia.

Results: In a carrier with unilateral central vision loss, mfERG showed severely reduced amplitudes which correlated with a band of retinal pigment epithelial and choroidal atrophy in the macula, a dense central scotoma on Humphrey visual fields testing, and decreased ERG amplitudes.

Conclusions: Multifocal ERG may be a sensitive tool to measure functional abnormalities in choroideremia carriers. Mosaic inactivation of the normal gene may cause expression of the mutation with severe vision loss in choroideremia carriers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Choroideremia / genetics
  • Choroideremia / physiopathology*
  • Electroretinography
  • Female
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Retina / physiopathology
  • Retinal Diseases / genetics
  • Retinal Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Scotoma / genetics
  • Scotoma / physiopathology
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Fields