Choroidopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Choroidopathy in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically unusual manifestation, previously described in only six patients, to our knowledge. We have followed up six patients with SLE and choroidopathy manifested by multifocal, serous elevations of the retinal pigment epithelium and sensory retina. In four patients, macular involvement was present, and they suffered visual loss. Two eyes of two patients progressed to large, bullous, exudative retinal detachments. In the three patients in whom control of the systemic disease was achieved, the serous detachments resolved. The pathogenesis is most likely related to choroidal vascular disease with resultant pigment epithelial damage and serous fluid leakage beneath the retina.