Introduction
Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) and its variant, Multizonal Outer Retinopathy and Retinal Pigment Epitheliopathy (MORR), are rare inflammatory disorders primarily affecting the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). They pose substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their heterogeneous presentations and frequent subtle early findings.
We report a chronologically divergent, bilateral MORR presentation in a 52-year-old woman initially diagnosed with unilateral, inactive posterior uveitis. Over eight years, she developed progressive functional impairment in the fellow eye. Multimodal imaging and electrophysiological testing proved crucial for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
MORR is characterized by multiple outer retinal and RPE lesions, often with more pronounced RPE involvement than classic AZOOR. Its etiology remains uncertain, with viral infections, autoimmune mechanisms, and systemic associations among the potential contributing factors.
By highlighting this complex clinical course and the utility of advanced imaging in diagnosis, we aim to increase awareness of MORR, emphasize the need for careful differential diagnosis within the AZOOR spectrum, and encourage further research into this challenging entity.
Case report
A 52-year-old, otherwise healthy woman presented with a previously diagnosed, idiopathic, left-sided, inactive posterior uveitis. She reported occasional photopsia in the right eye, while the left eye had already developed advanced visual impairment starting at age 32, following an unclear retinitis during a one-month stay in Los Angeles. At that time, she experienced nonspecific malaise, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort initially deemed flu-like. She had a known history of migraine, with no evidence of mononucleosis, herpes dermatitis, weight loss, night sweats, or insect bites. She denied any recent vaccinations, tobacco use, or malignancy. Shortly before turning thirty-two, she underwent estrogen-based hormonal therapy for fertility. The patient also reported allergies to penicillin, novalgina, diclofenac, and latex.
At presentation, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measured 20/20 OD (+ 0.25/−0.25/A 11) and 20/200 OS (+ 0.25/−0.75/A 116). Intraocular pressure was 14 mmHg in both eyes, and the anterior segment showed no signs of inflammation.
Funduscopic examination of the right eye revealed a vital, sharply defined optic disc, a dry macula, and peripheral degenerations of uncertain classification. The left eye showed a slightly pale optic disc, diffuse chorioretinal atrophy with pigment shifts in the macula, and peripheral chorioretinal scars.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the right eye demonstrated only a minimally blurred foveal ellipsoid zone without disruption of the outer retina (Fig. 1a, a′, “Baseline”). In the left eye (Fig. 1b, “Baseline”), OCT revealed extensive para- to perifoveal atrophy of the outer retinal layers, irregular outer layering from sub- to perifoveal, and mild macular thickening.
[See PDF for image]
Fig. 1
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF; Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg: a-c, a´-c, Clarus 500, Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). Both eyes over time (Upper row, a-d, right eye, lower row, a’-d’, left eye) The figure shows a peripapillary lesion with a trizonal autofluorescent pattern in the right eye: linear to spotty flaring hyperautofluorescent border between MORR lesion and normal retina (Zone I), speckled hyperautofluorescence within the MORR lesion (Zone II) and hypoautofluorescent area corresponding to RPE to choroidal atrophy (Zone III), with a progressive course over the years (upper row). At the 12th year of presentation, centripetal spread from inferior with mild speckled hyperfluorescent border is seen (white triangle). At the 13th year of presentation, the centripetal multizonal spread formed a subtotal circular pattern with confluent areas and showed speckled hyperautofluorescence at the margin at the transition to normal retina. The periphery showed confluent hypoautofluorescence corresponding to the extensive RPE atrophy (white triangle). The left eye shows similar absent autofluorescence over the years due to central retinal to choroidal atrophy. Individual patchy hypo- to isoautofluorescent lesions correspond to the inhomogeneously distributed pigment clumping (lower row)
Course, diagnosis and treatment
At age 60, eight years later, the patient returned with progressive visual impairment, flickering, temporal field restriction, and photopsia in the right (better) eye. In the left eye, dark/gray vision remained stable. She reported no additional systemic infections but had HLA-B27-positive spondylarthritis and stress-related complaints. Best-corrected visual acuity dropped to 20/30 OD and light perception OS.
Funduscopic examination of the right eye (Fig. 2a-e) revealed a sharply defined optic disc, chorioatrophy from peripapillary to nasal parafoveal, dry macula with pigment shifts, and chorioatrophic scars. A distinct transition zone between atrophic and normal retina was evident (red arrowheads). By contrast, the left eye (Fig. 2g–k) exhibited a pale optic disc, diffuse atrophy, and patchy, irregular pigment clumping.
[See PDF for image]
Fig. 2
Correlation of FFA, ICGA and SD-OCT for photoreceptor, RPE and choriocapillaris atrophy zones The white arrows show three border transitions in the right eye (a, c): (I) from normal anatomical outer retinal structures and choriocapillaris to (II) RPE and photoreceptor degeneration/remodeling with reticular-like drusenoid deposits in OCT and corresponding hypo- or hyperfluorescent appearance in fluorescence angiography depending on their position in relation to the pigment layer of the retina and the amount of lipids and proteins they contain, missing drusen fluorescence in RPE atrophy. Subsequently (III) complete RPE loss and limiting to absent visualization of the choriocapillaris with decrease of peripapillary choroidal thickness in OCT, corresponding window defect and simultaneously hypofluorescent in FFA, as well as peripapillary vessel density decrease (yellow arrows) of the choroid in ICG
Blue fundus autofluorescence (BAF, Spectralis®, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) of the right eye (Fig. 3a) showed a central trizonal autofluorescent pattern: A linear to punctually flaring hyperautofluorescent border between the lesion and normal retina (Zone I), a speckled hyperautofluorescence within the lesion (Zone II), and a hypoautofluorescent area corresponding to RPE and choroidal atrophy (Zone III). The left eye (Fig. 3a’) lacked any apparent autofluorescence due to central retinal and choroidal atrophy.
[See PDF for image]
Fig. 3
∆: SD-OCT progression over 13 years
On OCT, the right eye (Fig. 1c, c’, enlarged macular area) showed a nasal outer retinal thinning and ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption. The RPE-Bruch’s membrane complex appeared fragmented, with hyperreflective spots. The external limiting membrane (ELM) can be traced to perifoveal nasal. The outer nuclear layer (ONL) appeared shortened, due to layer shifting and the partly apparent elongation of the outer plexiform layer (OPL). By contrast, the left eye (Fig. 1d) displayed complete outerretinal atrophy and markedly reduced choroidal thickness.
Fluorescein angiography (FFA) of the right eye (Fig. 4a) showed delayed vessel filling (armretina time 36 s, measured at the right eye), a peripapillary hypofluorescence and subsequent diffuse hyperfluorescence; indocyaninegreen angiography (ICGA) revealed reduced choroidal vessel density. In the left eye (Fig. 4b), severe atrophy abolished retinal fluorescence and produced marked choroidal hypofluorescence.
[See PDF for image]
Fig. 4
∆: Fundus photographs demonstrating progressive atrophy and pigment changes in both eyes over time
The corresponding peripapillary OCT of the right eye (Fig. 4c) showed three transition zones: (I) From normal outer retinal structure and intact choriocapillaris, (II) to RPE and photoreceptor degeneration or remodeling with reticular-like drusenoid deposits, (III) to complete RPE loss with only limited or absent visualization of the choriocapillaris and reduced peripapillary choroidal thickness.
Peripapillary OCT (Fig. 4d) confirmed in the left eye the extensive damage to the outer retinal layers and an almost complete loss of the peripapillary choroidal layer.
Electrophysiological testing: In the right eye, multifocal ERG revealed intact central amplitudes but prolonged implicit time. By contrast, the left eye showed markedly reduced amplitudes, indicating severe global dysfunction. Full-field ERG was age-appropriate in the right eye but severely diminished in the left, with reduced amplitudes and prolonged latencies under both scotopic and photopic conditions. EOG yielded an Arden quotient of 2.2 (right) and 1.4 (left). Pattern VEP latencies were normal in both eyes; however, left-eye amplitudes were notably reduced.
With the abovementioned taken together, the findings thus pointed further towards the diagnosis of AZOOR.
Systemic evaluation ruled out significant viral/infectious causes (e.g., HIV, VZV, CMV, EBV).
Systemic comorbidities included mild HLA-B27-positive spondylarthritis, degenerative skeletal changes with right-convex scoliosis, isolated enthesopathies including diabetes mellitus and substituted hypothyroidism. Neurological co-assessment revealed no pathological findings.
To exclude paraneoplasia, comprehensive laboratory tests were performed, including hormonal assessments (FSH, LH, growth hormone, prolactin, IGF-1, and androstenedione), all of which were normal. Cancer-associated retinopathy was effectively ruled out by the absence of enolase, recoverin, and Hu-antibodies (anti-Hu/ANNA-1). MRI of the upper abdomen and pelvis showed no tumor processes. Dermatological examination revealed only seborrheic keratosis and compound nevi, with no suspicious lesions. Apart from asymptomatic reflux esophagitis, gastro- and colonoscopy were likewise unremarkable. A bone scan indicated no metastatic lesions, showing only focal activity consistent with degenerative joint and spinal changes.
Given macular involvement, systemic prednisolone (100 mg/day for 5 days, taper over 12 weeks) was administered, followed by attempts at immunomodulation (methotrexate, then adalimumab) in cooperation with the rheumatology clinic in Püttlingen, but adverse effects led to discontinuation. During immunomodulation therapy, the patient experienced severe hair loss, persistent gastrointestinal upset, headaches, pronounced fatigue with myalgia, a constant flulike malaise, and newonset depressive symptoms that led to social withdrawal.
To enhance her visual support, the patient received an electronic handheld magnifier (“pebble” from Enhanced Vision), a 7× illuminated handheld magnifier (Mobilux, Eschenbach), magnification software (ZoomText), and information on smartphone apps and other daily living aids (Marland catalog). The 3.5× Mobilux handheld magnifier with a stand proved the most comfortable solution.
Further follow-ups (+ 9, + 12, +13 years) showed continued progression on OCT (OD: Fig. 1e, e’, 1 g, g’, 1 i, i´,/OS: Figure 1f, h and j), and autofluorescence (OD: Fig. 3b-d/OS: b´- d´), predominantly in the right eye, with residual atrophy in the left. Despite therapy, vision deteriorated to light perception or worse in both eyes.
From these extensive, multizonal findings, MORR was diagnosed, representing a variant of AZOOR.
Discussion
AZOOR, first described by Gass in 1992, is a rare retinal disease marked by abrupt photoreceptor dysfunction despite minimal fundus changes in initial stages [1, 2–3]. A variant termed MORR exhibits stronger RPE involvement than classic AZOOR [4]. Clinically, AZOOR often presents unilaterally, but can later affect the fellow eye. MORR, however, typically manifests bilaterally with scotomas and photopsia, yet may also progress in an episodic and asymmetric pattern [3, 4]. Both conditions primarily affect young to middle-aged women; in AZOOR, the mean onset is 20–40 years [5], potentially influenced by hormonal or genetic factors [6]. MORR likewise has been reported mostly in women aged 39–71 [3].
Although the pathogenesis remains unclear, evidence supports viral triggers (EBV, HSV, HZV, CMV) and autoimmune mechanisms [7, 8, 9–10]. Antiretinal antibodies (e.g., CRALBP, recoverin, α-enolase, S-antigen) have been found in AZOOR [7, 8, 9–10], but also occur in other diseases, complicating diagnosis. Genetic predisposition for AZOOR appears absent [11]. Additional associations include vaccinations, tick bites, migraine, and fetomaternal cell migration [9, 12]. Systemic autoimmune conditions, especially thyroid disorders—have been reported in both AZOOR and MORR [3], suggesting shared immunologic pathways.
MORR and acute annular outer retinopathy (AAOR) are now regarded as special AZOOR variants, based on evolving multimodal imaging [13, 14]. As part of the “AZOOR complex,” these entities often mimic other inflammatory conditions such as multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS), punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC), acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN), idiopathic blind spot enlargement(IBSE), acute idiopathic maculopathy (AIM), and autoimmune retinopathies [15, 16].
Funduscopic findings in AZOOR may appear normal initially, followed by pigment shifts and chorioretinal atrophy, often in zonal patterns. MORR is distinguished by early, multizonal RPE changes with hyper-/hypoautofluorescent lesions on FAF [3, 17]. On angiography, AZOOR typically shows discrete RPE “window defects,” whereas MORR can exhibit more complex, widespread fluorescence abnormalities [3]. In indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), AZOOR might have normal choriocapillaris perfusion or display focal hypofluorescence [18], while MORR reveals broader choroidal involvement [3]. OCT in AZOOR frequently demonstrates selective outer retinal atrophy, whereas MORR shows extensive RPE disruption and choroidal thinning, sparing the inner retina [3, 17].
Both conditions can show regional amplitude reductions on multifocal ERG, reflecting focal photoreceptor damage [6, 19]. In AZOOR, full-field ERG is often normal unless the disease becomes more diffuse [20]. MORR may present broader amplitude loss across multiple retinal zones. Pattern VEP changes are usually minimal unless the central macula is severely involved.
No standardized therapy exists for AZOOR or MORR. Spontaneous remission can occur in AZOOR but is rarer in MORR [19]. Treatment options—corticosteroids, immunomodulators (e.g., methotrexate, adalimumab), antivirals—have produced inconsistent outcomes [5, 21]. A case series of 10 MORR patients revealed that they received systemic or intravitreal therapies without uniform benefit [3]. However, multiple intravitreal injections of longacting corticosteroid implants achieved temporary stabilization and partial lesion regression [4]. Intravitreal steroids have likewise been shown to stabilize disease in selected AZOOR cases [22]. Our patient’s disease likewise progressed despite systemic steroids and biologics, and intravitreal corticosteroid therapy was declined, underscoring the limited efficacy of current regimens. Intravitreal corticosteroid implant was denied. Both AZOOR and MORR exhibit highly variable, potentially relapsing courses, with final vision dictated by the extent of outer retinal involvement [3, 21].
A comparative table (Table 1) summarizes the main distinctions between MORR and AZOOR, based on the literature discussed. It emphasizes the critical role of multimodal imaging in accurate diagnosis and clinical management of these conditions.
Table 1. Comparative table highlighting key distinctions between MORR and AZOOR from the discussed literature
Hallmark | MORR | AZOOR |
---|---|---|
Primary Involvement | Outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in multiple zones | Primarily the outer retina; early fundus often unremarkable |
RPE Changes | Pronounced, with extensive atrophy and pigment disruption from the outset | Mild or absent at initial stages; RPE involvement typically emerges later |
Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF) | Multizonal hyper-/hypoautofluorescent patterns; reflect larger RPE damage | May show zonal or patchy FAF changes; initially subtle |
Onset & Laterality | Often bilateral from the start or becomes bilateral in a staggered, progressive manner | Commonly unilateral at first, can affect the fellow eye later; can also appear asymmetric |
Demographics | Mostly females, typically 39–71 years | Mostly females, typically 20–40 years (often myopic) |
Electrophysiology (ERG, multifocal ERG) | Diffuse or multizonal amplitude reductions; more extensive photoreceptor dysfunction | Focal or zonal amplitude reductions can be normal until later stages |
Imaging (e.g., OCT, ICGA) | Shows widespread outer retinal disruption and choroidal thinning (ICGA often more pronounced) | Selective outer retinal atrophy; ICGA can be normal or show focal hypofluorescence |
Prognosis & Therapy | Tends to be more progressive; no standardized treatment; immunosuppression often attempted Consider intravitreal steroids | Variable course: may stabilize spontaneously, others progress; immunomodulatory therapy tried, Intravitreal steroids can achieve disease stability |
Distinctive Feature | Early and pronounced RPE involvement (explaining more severe, multizonal changes) | Primarily photoreceptor-focused damage, often sparing the RPE in initial stages |
Overall, this case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by MORR as an AZOOR variant. Comprehensive imaging, electrophysiological assessment, and exclusion of infectious or autoimmune differentials remain paramount. Further research is needed to clarify pathogenesis and develop more effective treatments.
Conclusion
This case underscores the diagnostic complexities and management challenges of MORR, a variant of AZOOR. Both conditions pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, necessitating multimodal imaging and a high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis. The chronologically divergent, bilateral involvement, progressive disease course, and limited treatment efficacy highlight the need for vigilant monitoring and interdisciplinary collaboration. Further research is essential to clarify the pathogenesis of these conditions and to develop more effective therapeutic approaches.
Acknowledgements
Not applicable.
Authors’ contributions
All listed authors have approved the final version of this manuscript prior to submission, including the names and order of authors. The manuscript was primarily written by me, with colleagues providing edits, comments, and corrections as co-authors. No authors have been removed or added in later versions of this manuscript without proper justification, and there are no “ghost authors.”
Funding
This research received no external funding.
The authors declare that no funding was received for this study.
Data availability
No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
Declarations
Ethics approval and consent to participate
The authors declare no conflict of interest. No studies on humans or animals were conducted by the authors for this paper. For the studies listed, the ethical guidelines stated therein apply in each case.
Consent for publication
Written consent has been obtained from patients and/or their legal representatives for images or other information within the manuscript that can be used to identify patients.
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
Abbreviations
Acute idiopathic maculopathy
Acute macular neuroretinopathy
Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy
Blue fundus autofluorescence
Best-corrected visual acuity
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr vi
External limiting membrane
Electrooculography
Ellipsoid zone
Fundus autofluorescence
Fluorescein angiography
Full-field electroretinography
Human immunodeficiency virus
Idiopathic blind spot enlargement
Indocyanine green angiography
International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision
Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome
Multifocal electroretinography
Multizonal Outer Retinopathy and Retinal Pigment Epitheliopathy
Optical coherence tomography
Outer nuclear layer
Outer plexiform layer
Punctate inner choroidopathy
Retinal pigment epithelium
Visual evoked potentials
Varicella-zoster virus
Publisher’s Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
References
1. Gass, JD. Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Donders lecture: the Netherlands ophthalmological society, maastricht, holland, June 19, 1992. J Clin Neuroophthalmol; 1993; 13,
2. Félix-Espinar, B; Moreno-López, M. Use of multimodal analysis in the diagnosis and Follow-up of a case of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR). Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed); 2021; 96,
3. Pohlmann, D; Winterhalter, S; Pleyer, U. White Dot syndromes: principles, diagnostics, and treatment. Ophthalmologe; 2019; 116,
4. Ramtohul, P; Marchese, A; Introini, U; Goldstein, DA; Freund, KB; Jampol, LM et al. Multizonal outer retinopathy and retinal pigment epitheliopathy (MORR): A newly recognized entity or an unusual variant of AZOOR?. Retina; 2023; 43,
5. Monson, DM; Smith, JR. Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Surv Ophthalmol; 2011; 56,
6. Si, S; Song, W; Song, Y; Hu, Y. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Int Ophthalmol; 2018; 38,
7. Padungkiatsagul, T; Leung, LS; Moss, HE. Retinal diseases that can masquerade as neurological causes of vision loss. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep; 2020; 20,
8. Neutzner, RV; Jäger, M; Friedburg, C; Deeg, CA; Lorenz, B. Syndrome of blind spot enlargement in acute zonal occult outer retinopathy with detection of autoantibodies against the retinal antigens CRALBP and S-Ag. Ophthalmologe; 2011; 108,
9. Gass, JD. Are acute zonal occult outer retinopathy and the white spot syndromes (AZOOR Complex) specific autoimmune diseases??. Am J Ophthalmol; 2003; 135,
10. Tagami, M; Matsumiya, W; Imai, H; Kusuhara, S; Honda, S; Azumi, A. Autologous antibodies to outer retina in acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Jpn J Ophthalmol; 2014; 58,
11. Roy, R; Majumder, PD. Current Understanding of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR). Indian J Ophthalmol; 2024; 72,
12. Bianchi, DW. Fetomaternal cell trafficking: A new cause of disease??. Am J Med Genet; 2000; 91,
13. Tsang, SH; Sharma, T. Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) and related diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol; 2018; 1085, pp. 233-237. [PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30578522]
14. Jung, JJ; Khan, S; Mrejen, S; Gallego-Pinazo, R; Cunningham, ET; Freund, KB et al. Idiopathic multifocal choroiditis with outer retinal or chorioretinal atrophy. Retina; 2014; 34,
15. Heckenlively, JR; Ferreyra, HA. Autoimmune retinopathy: A review and summary. Semin Immunopathol; 2008; 30,
16. Amaral, C; Joy, L; Jimenez, H; Cruz-Inñigo, YJ; Ulloa-Padilla, JP; Oliver, AL. Syphilitic outer retinopathy: A case report and review of the literature. J Vitreoretin Dis; 2022; 6,
17. Mrejen, S; Khan, S; Gallego-Pinazo, R; Jampol, LM; Yannuzzi, LA. Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy: A classification based on multimodal imaging. JAMA Ophthalmol; 2014; 132,
18. Papasavvas, I; Mantovani, A; Herbort, CP, Jr. Diagnosis, mechanisms, and differentiation of inflammatory diseases of the outer retina: photoreceptoritis versus choriocapillaritis; A multimodal imaging perspective. Diagnostics (Basel); 2022; 12,
19. Nakao, S; Kaizu, Y; Yoshida, S; Iida, T; Ishibashi, T. Spontaneous remission of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy: Follow-up using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol; 2015; 253,
20. Park, KH; Woo, SJ; Lee, JJ; Hwang, JM. Multifocal electroretinogram changes and normal Ganzfeld-ERG in patients with AZOOR. Neuroophthalmology; 2008; 32,
21. Chen SN, Yang CH, Yang CM (2015) Systemic Corticosteroids Therapy in the Management of Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy. J Ophthalmol 2015:793026
22. Barnes AC, Lowder CY, Bessette AP, Baynes K, Srivastava SK (2018) Treatment of Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy With Intravitreal Steroids. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 49(7):504–509. https://doi.org/10.3928/23258160-20180628-06. PMID: 30021037
23. Saito, S; Saito, W; Saito, M; Hashimoto, Y; Mori, S; Noda, K et al. Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy in Japanese patients: clinical features, visual function, and factors affecting visual function. PLoS ONE; 2015; 10,
You have requested "on-the-fly" machine translation of selected content from our databases. This functionality is provided solely for your convenience and is in no way intended to replace human translation. Show full disclaimer
Neither ProQuest nor its licensors make any representations or warranties with respect to the translations. The translations are automatically generated "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and are not retained in our systems. PROQUEST AND ITS LICENSORS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES FOR AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Your use of the translations is subject to all use restrictions contained in your Electronic Products License Agreement and by using the translation functionality you agree to forgo any and all claims against ProQuest or its licensors for your use of the translation functionality and any output derived there from. Hide full disclaimer
© The Author(s) 2025. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.
Abstract
Purpose
Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) is a rare inflammatory disease of the outer retina, often presented with subtle early findings. A specific subtype, termed Multizonal Outer Retinopathy and Retinal Pigment Epitheliopathy (MORR), is characterized by distinct progression pattern (Ramtohul et al. Retina 43:1890–1903, 2023) in multiple zones of the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium. This case report aims to illustrate the chronologically divergent presentation, a phase-shifting disease progression and the complex clinical course of MORR, and to discuss the diagnostic challenges posed by its phase‑shifted timeline as well as potential therapeutic options.
Methods
A case of a 52-year-old female patient with initially unilateral, inactive posterior uveitis was retrospectively analyzed. Over thirteen years, progressive functional impairment developed in the fellow eye. Findings were assessed using multimodal imaging (Optical Coherence Tomography [OCT], Fundus Autofluorescence [FAF], Fluorescein and Indocyanine Green Angiography [FFA/ICGA]) and electrophysiological examinations (multifocal ERG, full-field ERG, EOG, VEP). Additional rheumatologic and neurologic assessments were conducted, and an infectious workup was performed.
Results
The patient demonstrated chronologically divergent bilateral involvement with extensive damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors. Fundus autofluorescence revealed a tri- to multizonal pattern in the better eye, while the fellow eye already exhibited diffuse atrophic areas devoid of any autofluorescence. Electrophysiological, the better eye showed selectively prolonged latencies on multifocal electroretinography (multifocal ERG) but preserved amplitudes, whereas the more severely affected eye displayed substantial functional loss. Despite various therapeutic interventions, including high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, progressive visual impairment ensued, driven by increasing macular involvement.
Conclusions
This case highlights the marked heterogeneity and diagnostic complexities of Multizonal Outer Retinopathy and Retinal Pigment Epitheliopathy (MORR), a newly recognized progressive variant of Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy (AZOOR). The disease course can present with chronologically divergent manifestations in both eyes. While initial stages may exhibit only subtle funduscopic changes, structural and functional deficits can progress rapidly, episodically and in a phase-shifted manner. Multimodal imaging is essential to delineate the disease trajectory and to distinguish MORR from diseases affecting outer retina. Currently, no definitive treatment is available; although immunomodulatory therapies may stabilize the condition in certain cases, their efficacy remains inconsistent. Consequently, early low-vision management and close interdisciplinary collaboration are of particular importance.
You have requested "on-the-fly" machine translation of selected content from our databases. This functionality is provided solely for your convenience and is in no way intended to replace human translation. Show full disclaimer
Neither ProQuest nor its licensors make any representations or warranties with respect to the translations. The translations are automatically generated "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and are not retained in our systems. PROQUEST AND ITS LICENSORS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES FOR AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Your use of the translations is subject to all use restrictions contained in your Electronic Products License Agreement and by using the translation functionality you agree to forgo any and all claims against ProQuest or its licensors for your use of the translation functionality and any output derived there from. Hide full disclaimer
Details
1 Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Kliniken Saar GmbH, Sulzbach, Germany
2 Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Kliniken Saar GmbH, Sulzbach, Germany; Klaus Heimann Eye Research Institute, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
3 Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Kliniken Saar GmbH, Sulzbach, Germany; Klaus Heimann Eye Research Institute, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany; University of Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, Bonn, Germany (GRID:grid.10388.32) (ISNI:0000 0001 2240 3300)
4 Püttlingen Rheumatology Clinic, Knappschaft Kliniken Saar GmbH, Püttlingen, Germany (GRID:grid.10388.32)
5 Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Kliniken Saar GmbH, Sulzbach, Germany (GRID:grid.10388.32); Klaus Heimann Eye Research Institute, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany (GRID:grid.10388.32)