Bilateral frosted branch angiitis as the presenting sign of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

BACKGROUND: “Frosted branch retinal angiitis” is an encompassing term for a rare, typically bilateral diffuse retinal periphlebitis that may occur in a number of varying conditions. To our knowledge, we report the first case of frosted branch angiitis as the presenting sign of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in a 28-year-old woman. FINDINGS: This study is a retrospective case report and literature review. Serial fundus photos, fluorescein angiogram, and ocular coherence tomography taken were before and after treatment, showing resolution of diffuse retinal perivascular sheathing and macular edema along with marked improvement in visual acuity 4 months after the treatment with corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Frosted branch angiitis can be seen in association with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Prompt recognition and treatment with corticosteroids may result in good visual prognosis, and long-term immunosuppression and additional anticoagulation may be beneficial to prevent recurrence.