$Unique_ID{BRK04089}
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$Title{Pars Planitis}
$Subject{Pars Planitis PP Peripheral Retinal Inflammation Cystoid Macular
Edema Ocular Hypotension Autoimmune Endotheliopathy}
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Copyright (C) 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

467:
Pars Planitis

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible the main title of the article (Pars Planitis) is not the
name you expected.  Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next page to
find alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders covered by
this article.

Synonyms

     PP
     Peripheral Retinal Inflammation

Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related
Disorders section of this report:

     Cystoid Macular Edema
     Ocular Hypotension
     Autoimmune Endotheliopathy

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.

Pars Planitis is a vision disorder characterized by inflammation of the
peripheral retina and pars plana (a section of the ciliary body connected to
the retina) sections of the eye.  Fluid and cells can infiltrate the clear
gelatin-like substance (vitreous humor) near the retina and/or pars plana.
Swelling inside the eye can also occur.  These abnormalities may appear in
one or both eyes.

Symptoms

Pars Planitis is primarily marked by blurred or poor night vision due to the
presence of fluid or cells which produce collagen in the clear gelatin-like
substance (vitreous humor) inside the eyeball.  Swelling can occur inside the
eye, particularly on the peripheral retina or macula.  Glaucoma (increased
pressure in the eye) shrinking (phthisis) of the eyeball, or other eye
complications may occur.

Causes

The exact cause of Pars Planitis is not known.  Inflammation of the
peripheral retina and/or the pars plana (a section of the ciliary body which
helps regulate the shape of the lens) is thought to cause symptoms of this
disorder.  Researchers believe it may be either a genetic or an autoimmune
disorder.  Autoimmune disorders are caused when the body's natural defenses
(antibodies) against invading organisms suddenly begin to attack it's own
healthy tissue.

Affected Population

Pars Planitis is a very rare vision disorder which affects males and females
in equal numbers.

Related Disorders

Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Pars Planitis.
Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:

Cystoid Macular Edema is characterized by swelling (edema) of the central
part of the retina as a result of abnormal leakage of fluid from capillaries.
In Pars Planitis, swelling or leakage of fluid due to inflammation can affect
the peripheral retina.  Cystoid Macular Edema can sometimes be a complication
of Pars Planitis.

Ocular Hypotension is a condition defined as lowered blood pressure in
the veins or capillaries inside the eye tissue.  When this happens, vision
disturbances similar to those of Pars Planitis may occur.  This condition may
in some cases be a complication of Pars Planitis.

Autoimmune Endotheliopathy is an attack by the immune system on the layer
of flat cells lining blood vessels (endothelium).  This condition can occur
in the blood vessels of the eyes as a complication of Pars Planitis, but can
also occur alone in any part of the body.

Therapies:  Standard

Treatment of Pars Planitis usually consists of corticosteroid drugs to
control inflammation.  Surgery may be recommended when more conventional
treatment is not effective.  High frequency surgical electrocautery
(diathermy) or cryotherapy (freezing of tissue) may be used to seal blood
vessels and arrest leakage.

Therapies:  Investigational

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through June
1988.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate.  Please
check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Pars Planitis, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     Association for Macular Diseases
     210 East 64th Street
     New York, NY  10021
     (212) 605-3719

     NIH/National Eye Institute
     9000 Rockville Pike
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 496-5248

References

PARS PLANITIS AND AUTOIMMUNE ENDOTHELIOPATHY:  A.A. Khodadoust, et al.; Am J
Ophthalmol (November 15, 1986, issue 102 (5)).  Pp. 633-639.

ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES IN CHRONIC PARS PLANITIS:  H.L. Cantrill, et
al.; Am J Ophthalmol (April 1981, issue 91(4)).  Pp. 505-512.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PARS PLANA EXUDATE IN PARS PLANITIS:  D.E.
Henderly, et al.; Am J Ophthalmol (May 15, 1987, issue 103(5)).  Pp. 669-671.