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The differential diagnosis of crystals in the retina

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Abstract

Crystalline deposits in the retina may be associated with a wide variety of systemicdisorders such as oxalosis,cystinosis, hyperornithinaemia and Sjögren-Larssonsyndrome. Refractile crystalline deposits may also be a manifestation of drug toxicity like the antineoplastic agent tamoxifen, the anesthetic methoxyflurane and the oral tanning agent canthaxanthine. Crystals may also occur in drug abusers who inject multiple crushed tablets of methadone or meperidine intravenously (talc retinopathy). The differential diagnosis of retinal crystals also includes primary ocular diseases like Bietti's crystalline retinopathy, calcified macular drusen, idiopathic parafoveal telangiectasis and longstanding retinal detachment .This article will review the most common causes of crystalline retinopathies, their etiologies, pathologies and clinical characteristics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

    Farah Nadim, Haddad Walid & Jaber Adib

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  1. Farah Nadim
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  2. Haddad Walid
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  3. Jaber Adib
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Nadim, F., Walid, H. & Adib, J. The differential diagnosis of crystals in the retina. Int Ophthalmol 24, 113–121 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021189215498

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