Birdshot retinochoroidopathy.

Birdshot retinochoriodopathy is a bilateral posterior uveitis seen in adults over 45 years of age. The uveitis is associated with moderate vitreal inflammation, vasculides of large vessels, chronic papillitis and the yellow birdshot spots typical of the disease. The disease shows tight linkages with HLA A29 carried by more than 90% of the patients. The visual prognosis depends on the development of complications of the chronic ocular inflammation, particularly crystoid macular edema. These complications lead to lowered visual acuity which becomes a major handicap. Long-term local or general corticosteroid therapy is required and leads to corticodependence. An immunosuppressor (cyclosporin A) may be associated. As these treatments cause major morbidity, intravenous immunoglobulins offer a less toxic therapeutic approach. Intravenous immunoglobulins can reduce inflammatory phenomena, providing an interesting alternative for the treatment of birdshot retinochoroidopathy.