Unilateral Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy Associated with Streptococcal Pharyngitis, A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Unilateral Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy (UAIM) is a rare inflammatory macular condition affecting young adults with poorly understood etiology. This case report addresses this by suggesting potential etiology.

Methods

A retrospective review of patient records was carried out to obtain data for case report.

Results

A 29-year-old male developed sudden visual loss in the left eye 1 day following the development of a sore throat. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and fundal exam demonstrated subretinal/intraretinal fluid and disruption of the outer retina in keeping with UAIM. Serological testing revealed a raised Anti-Streptolysin O Titer and anti-DNAse-B antibody.

Conclusions

To date, UAIM has been known to be associated with a flu-like illness and a connection between coxsackievirus has been suggested but it has not been linked to streptococcal pharyngitis. We suggest a potential link between UAIM and streptococcal infection and that UAIM may be on the spectrum of post-streptococcal autoimmune disease.

KEYWORDS:

• Group A streptococcus
• streptococcal pharyngitis
• UAIM
• unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy
• uveitis

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone were responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was obtained for this case report.