National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Serpiginous choroiditis

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My mother was diagnosed with serpiginous choroiditis. Can my sibling or I inherit it? Should we go to the doctor?

The following information may help to address your question:


What causes serpiginous choroiditis?

The cause of serpiginous choroiditis is unknown.[1][2] Speculation exists regarding an association with exposure to various toxic compounds and/or infectious agents.[1][3] Some researchers believe the condition is related to an organ-specific autoimmune inflammatory process.[4]
Last updated: 12/8/2014

Can I inherit serpiginous choroiditis if my mother has the condition?

No familial predillection or propensity has been described.[5][4]
Last updated: 9/16/2013

My mother has been diagnosed with serpiginous choroiditis. Should my sibling and I be evaluated for this condition?

While serpiginous choroiditis does not appear to be genetic, you should share your family history with your eye doctor and have your vision evaluated periodically or if you develop any new symptoms.
Last updated: 9/16/2013

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

Warm regards,
GARD Information Specialist

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  1. Tewari A, Eliott D. White Dot Syndromes. Medscape Reference. December 10, 2013; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1227778-overview. Accessed 12/8/2014.
  2. Choroiditis, Serpiginous. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2003; http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1011/viewAbstract. Accessed 12/8/2014.
  3. Gupta A, Biswas J. Serpiginous choroiditis and acute retinal necrosis occurring in the same patient. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2003; 61(6):303–304. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3744787/. Accessed 12/8/2014.
  4. Khanamiri N, Rao NA. Serpiginous choroiditis and infectious multifocal serpiginoid choroiditis. Surv Ophthalmol. 2013; 58(3):203-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23541041. Accessed 12/8/2014.
  5. Da Mata AP. Serpiginous Choroiditis. Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation. February 1998; http://www.uveitis.org/docs/dm/serpiginous_chroiditis.pdf. Accessed 9/16/2013.