Parafoveal acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) in sickle cell disease after discontinuation of hydroxyurea

PURPOSE: Paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) is a rare ophthalmologic emergency involving the intermediate and deep retinal capillary plexus that supply the retina's middle layers. This case report describes an episode of PAMM in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD) to demonstrate the importance of early diagnosis, review potential pathophysiologic mechanisms, and finally discuss appropriate management in this patient population. OBSERVATIONS: A 33-year-old black female with SCD, who had recently discontinued disease-modifying therapy with hydroxyurea, presented with a central scotoma of the left eye. Examination showed superficial opacification and whitening of the temporal perifoveal macula. After an initial diagnosis of central retinal artery occlusion she was admitted for a stroke workup. MRI was negative for stroke, and the patient was discharged after undergoing a red blood cell exchange (RBCX). Follow-up exam and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings were more consistent with PAMM. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first report of PAMM after discontinuation of hydroxyurea in preparation for pregnancy. It highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach when treating peripartum patients with SCD and the need for further research regarding vaso-occlusive prophylactic agents and their effects in pregnancy to minimize morbidity during family planning.