Optometry - Journal of the American Optometric Association
Volume 75, Issue 8 , Pages 487-495, August 2004

Idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification

  • Michael Kim, O.D.

      Affiliations

    • VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
    • ,
  • Debi Pian, O.D.

      Affiliations

    • VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Santa Barbara Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Santa Barbara, California
    • VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton, California
    • Kim M, Pian D, Ferrucci S. Idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification. Optometry 2004;75:487-95.
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author: Debi Pian, O.D. Eye Clinic, VA Santa Barbara Community Based, Outpatient Clinic, 4440 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, California 93110.
    • ,
  • Steven Ferrucci, O.D.

      Affiliations

    • VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center and Nursing Home, Sepulveda, California
    • VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton, California

Article Outline

Abstract 

Background

Idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification (ISC) is an uncommon condition of calcium deposition at the level of the sclera and choroid of the posterior pole. With normal acuity and visual field, it typically manifests in asymptomatic older males. It can be diagnosed on clinical grounds, appearing as multiple geographic, yellowish, placoid-like lesions in the sclera and choroid, commonly found in the super-otemporal arcade of the midperipheral fundus in both eyes. Ocular ultrasound and fluorescein angiography have classic results.

Case Report

An 85-year-old white man came to us for routine examination. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 O.D. and O.S. Dilated fundus examination revealed several midperipheral yellowish-white deposits with retinal pigment epithelium hyperpigmentation temporally in each eye. Ocular ultrasound revealed high reflectivity consistent with calcium. The lesions demonstrated mild hyperfluorescence in the late phase of fluorescein angiography. Laboratory testing was void of abnormal calcium or phosphorous metabolism, and a diagnosis of ISC was made.

Conclusion

Idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification is a benign lesion of calcium deposition in the posterior pole, often discovered on routine examination. Although it is idiopathic, systemic evaluation is warranted to rule out dystrophic or metastatic calcification by various pathological conditions associated with abnormal calcium-phosphorus metabolism— most notably, hyperparathyroidism. Differential diagnoses include choroidal osteoma, melanoma, and metastatic carcinoma.

Key Words: Calcium, choroidal melanoma, idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification, osteoma, parathyroid

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PII: S1529-1839(04)70173-6

doi:10.1016/S1529-1839(04)70173-6

Optometry - Journal of the American Optometric Association
Volume 75, Issue 8 , Pages 487-495, August 2004

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