Telomere Biology Disorders: Report on Clinical and Angiographic Findings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal vasculature in pediatric patients with telomere biology disorders (TBDs). DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series. SUBJECTS: Pediatric patients with a diagnosis of TBD who underwent widefield fluorescein angiography (FA). METHODS: Electronic medical records of pediatric patients with TBD at a tertiary referral eye center were reviewed from January 2019 to July 2023. Vascular phenotype was assessed by reviewing FA images. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incomplete peripheral vascularization, aneurysmal dilatation, terminal arborization, anastomotic loops, capillary dropout, neovascularization, tortuosity, leakage from tractional membranes, and blockage from hemorrhage. RESULTS: Fourteen eyes from 7 patients were included. All patients were genetically confirmed for TBD. The most common genetic variants were in CTC1 (5 patients; 71.4%), ACD (1 patient; 14.3%), and RTEL1 (1 patient; 14.3%). On FA, the most common findings were incomplete peripheral vascularization (14 eyes, 100%), aneurysmal dilatation (12 eyes, 85.7%), terminal arborization (12 eyes, 85.7%), anastomotic loops (12 eyes, 85.7%), capillary dropout (10 eyes, 71.4%), and neovascularization (9 eyes, 64.3%). Regarding treatment, laser photocoagulation (14 eyes, 100%), intravitreal bevacizumab injection (13 eyes, 92.6%), and subtenon's Kenalog (11 eyes, 78.6%) were utilized. All patients managed with laser photocoagulation and bevacizumab required multiple treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Our study describes a spectrum of vascular changes evidenced by widefield FA in pediatric patients with genetically confirmed TBD. Although further research is warranted to fully understand the etiology of these subtle vascular anomalies, widefield FA should be conducted in patients with genetically confirmed or suspected TBD. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Fluorescein Angiography Parameters in Premature Neonates.

Purpose: To describe fluorescein angiography (FA) parameters observed in premature neonates with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Design: Retrospective case series. Subjects: Patients with ROP who underwent FA imaging using Retcam at Holtz Children's Hospital from November 2014 to October 2022. Methods: Fluorescein angiography images of the included patients were analyzed with a focus on the timing of angiography phases, including choroidal flush, retinal, and recirculation phases. Gestational age, birth weight (BW), age at imaging, treatment choice, and any FA complications were documented. Main Outcome Measures: Dose of fluorescein administered, onset and duration of each angiography phase, and FA findings in ROP-treated patients. Results: A total of 72 images of 72 eyes were reviewed. Image quality was deemed suitable for inclusion in 64 eyes (88.9%) of 43 patients. The mean gestational age and BW at birth were 24.4 ± 1.9 weeks and 607.8 ± 141.3 g, respectively. The mean postmenstrual age at FA imaging was 50.5 ± 40.8 weeks. All eyes (100%) received treatment with intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF at a mean age of 35.5 ± 2.4 weeks. The onset and duration of angiography phases were relatively variable within the cohort. Choroidal flush occurred at a mean time of 12.2 seconds (range: 6-22 seconds). A subsequent retinal phase was documented at a mean time of 11.96 seconds (range: 3-22 seconds). Recirculation phase was complete at an average time of 2.15 minutes (range: 1-5.45 minutes) postfluorescein injection. None of patients developed allergic reactions to fluorescein injection, such as rash, respiratory distress, tachycardia, fever, or local injection site reactions. Conclusions: Angiographic phases on FA in preterm infants with ROP are variable and may occur earlier than the established references for adults. Financial Disclosures: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Foveal photoreceptor atrophy, persistent fetal vasculature, congenital cataracts, and microphthalmia in a pediatric patient with BCOR-associated oculo-facio-cardio-dental (OFCD) syndrome.

Purpose: To report a case of oculo-facio-cardio-dental (OFCD) syndrome secondary to a novel BCOR variant in a pediatric patient with congenital cataracts, microphthalmia, persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), focal chorioretinal hyperpigmentation, peripheral retinal avascularity, and foveal photoreceptor atrophy. Observations: A 3-month-old female patient was referred for bilateral congenital cataracts with microphthalmia. Her past medical history was significant for syndactyly of the toes, left bifid rib, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, mitral regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension, anemia of prematurity, vesicoureteral reflux, and duodenal atresia. Examination under anesthesia revealed persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) with peripheral avascularity, foveal photoreceptor atrophy, and focal chorioretinal hyperpigmentation. A bilateral lensectomy with anterior vitrectomy and posterior capsulotomy were performed. Genetic testing identified a novel heterozygous pathogenic variant in the BCOR gene (c.1612C > T (p.Gln538Ter)), confirming a diagnosis of OFCD syndrome. Conclusions and importance: This case describes novel posterior segment findings in a patient with OFCD. A detailed examination of both anterior and posterior segments in combination with multimodal imaging should be performed in patients suspected of having OFCD, as this may be critical in determining visual potential and appropriate surgical management.

Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy-Like Phenotype in a Patient With Microcephaly and TUBGCP6 Mutations.

Purpose: To describe a case of microcephaly, unilateral retinal fold, and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)-like phenotype in the context of 2 TUBGCP6 variants. Methods: A case and its findings were analyzed. Results: A 4-month-old boy with no family history of eye disease presented by referral for management of presumed persistent fetal vasculature in the left eye. An external examination showed microcephaly. The patient grimaced to light in both eyes, and the anterior segments were unremarkable. On dilated fundus examination, diffuse chorioretinal atrophy was present bilaterally. In the left eye, a retinal fold emanated from the optic nerve head. There was early termination of retinal vasculature, especially in zone 3 in the left eye, resembling a FEVR-like phenotype. Panel-based genetic testing was performed and found 2 mutations in TUBGCP6. Conclusions: Microcephaly, chorioretinopathy, and retinal folds may be associated with TUBGCP6 mutations and masquerade as PFV.

Patients With Dragged Optic Disc Vessels and Retinal Folds: Clinical Features, Multimodal Imaging, and Histopathology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the multimodal imaging and histopathological features of patients with dragged optic disc vessels (DODV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational analysis using multimodal imaging of eyes with DODV in patients with retinal vascular diseases including familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, inflammatory disease, and others. In addition, two additional enucleated eyes with DODV underwent histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients, eight were girls and five were boys. Mean age was 5 years (ranging from 4 months to 10 years old). Of the 15 eyes, 12 (80%) demonstrated temporal dragging and three (20%) had nasal dragging. Retinal vascular abnormalities were present in 11 of the fellow eyes. Multimodal imaging demonstrated features of DODV including direction of traction, outer retinal thickening, increased flow, and other features. Only two (13.3%) eyes required surgical intervention. Mean follow-up was 14 (range 3 to 30 months) months. At last follow-up all eyes remained stable. Last visual acuity ranged from 20/100 to counting fingers. As well, two enucleated globes of adults with retinopathy of prematurity underwent histopathologic evaluation, showing optic nerve fibers that extended from the optic nerve into the DODV. CONCLUSIONS: DODV is a sign of various late-stage retinal vascular diseases, associated with poor visual function. Multimodal imaging and histopathology can assist in understanding the disease pathology. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:634-642.].

Retinal Detachments in Pediatric Patients With X-Linked Retinoschisis: Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Retinal detachments (RDs) are a complication of X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) with a poor prognosis. This study aims to report outcomes of XLRS-RD repair in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery for XLRS-RDs from 2000 to 2022. RESULTS: Nine patients (11 eyes) met inclusion criteria. All patients were boys, with a mean age of 8 years. Most RDs arose inferiorly (64%). Seven (64%) detachments were macula-involving. Seven (64%) detachments were repaired with combined scleral buckling and vitrectomy, two (18%) detachments were repaired with vitrectomy alone, one (9%) detachment underwent a primary scleral buckling procedure, and one (9%) asymptomatic detachment with a pigment demarcation line was observed. Silicone oil was used in eight of nine (89%) eyes undergoing vitrectomy. Final visual acuity was 20/200 or better in eight (73%) eyes. One eye that underwent surgical intervention remained unattached at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgical repair in patients with XLRSRDs was associated with successful reattachment, although visual prognosis varied. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:574-579.].

A patient with concurrent Axenfeld-Rieger and Stickler syndromes verified by molecular genetics.

Purpose: To report a case of Axenfeld-Rieger and Stickler Syndrome in a pediatric patient. Observations: A 3-month-old male was referred to the glaucoma clinic after he was noted to have elevated intraocular pressures in both eyes. His family history was notable for infantile glaucoma on his maternal side and retinal detachment on his paternal side. He was found to have anterior segment dysgenesis with iris strands, iridocorneal adhesions, and corectopia, as well as veil-like vitreous in both eyes. He required trabeculotomy, goniotomy, and multiple Baerveldt glaucoma implants in both eyes to achieve intraocular pressure control. Furthermore, the patient later developed macula-involving retinal detachments in both eyes, requiring pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. Genetic analysis confirmed heterozygous pathogenic variants in both the FOXC1 and COL2A1 genes, leading to the concurrent diagnoses of Axenfeld-Rieger and Stickler syndromes. Conclusions and importance: This is a rare case of a patient with concurrent Axenfeld-Rieger and Stickler syndromes. The severity of pathology in both the anterior and posterior segments required a collaborative multidisciplinary approach. In the diagnostic evaluation of congenital eye diseases, if there is strong family history of atypical findings for a given diagnosis, concurrent syndromes should be considered and ruled out. A comprehensive eye genetics panel may be a useful tool in these cases.

Vitreous Hemorrhage in Pediatric Patients With X-Linked Retinoschisis: Characteristics and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To report the management and outcomes of vitreous hemorrhage in pediatric patients with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective case series of pediatric patients with XLRS with vitreous hemorrhage between January 2000 and January 2022 at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. RESULTS: Nine patients (12 eyes) met inclusion criteria. The average age at presentation was 5.75 years and mean follow-up time was 6 years. All eyes (58.3%) that underwent fluorescein angiography exhibited peripheral capillary dropout. Six of 12 eyes (50%) were observed without intervention. Four of 12 eyes (33.3%) underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and 2 (16.6%) underwent vitreoretinal surgery. Seven of 12 eyes (58.3%) had documented recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage during follow-up. All retinas were attached and had clear media at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fluorescein angiography is a helpful tool to evaluate the vascular phenotype in XLRS. Favorable anatomic outcomes were noted in this cohort, but recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage was common. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:513-518.].

Intraoperative OCT Angiography in Pediatric Patients with Persistent Fetal Vasculature.

PURPOSE: To describe abnormalities of the optic nerve microvasculature in patients with persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and their fellow eyes using OCT angiography (OCTA). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Fifty eyes of 25 patients with PFV who underwent prospective imaging using supine OCTA during examination under anesthesia at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from March 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022. METHODS: OCT angiography images of the optic nerve of the included patients were analyzed with a primary focus on blood flow. Demographic, clinical, and treatment factors were compared with morphologic changes in the optic disc microvasculature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of optic nerve microvascular abnormalities on OCTA in the affected and fellow eyes of patients with PFV. RESULTS: A total of 50 eyes from 25 patients were reviewed, and 28% (7/25) met image quality criteria for OCTA analysis. Optic nerve OCTA showed a persistent hyaloid artery (PHA) in all (7/7) PFV eyes analyzed. Of these, flow on OCTA was detectable in 57% (4/7). A Bergmeister papilla was evident in 100% (25/25) fellow eyes, of which flow was detected in 68% (17/25). Fluorescein angiography (FA) demonstrated blood flow within the stalk in 40% (10/25) of PFV eyes and within the Bergmeister papilla in 25% (6/25) of fellow eyes. Similar findings of abnormal blood flow and presence of fibrovascular stalk were seen in both treatment-naïve and treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: OCT angiography allows for high-resolution visualization of subtle vascular abnormalities that are not readily apparent using RetCam FA and may serve as a useful noninvasive test to confirm the patency of the PHA and Bergmeister papilla in children. The results of the present study suggest that PFV may be a bilateral and asymmetric process. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Peripheral Retinal Nonperfusion in Pediatric Patients with Optic Disc Hypoplasia.

PURPOSE: This study aims to report the association of optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), peripheral retinal nonperfusion, and secondary complications in pediatric patients. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The study was conducted between January 2015 and January 2022 at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Inclusion criteria were clinical diagnosis of optic disc hypoplasia, age <18 years, and a fluorescein angiography (FA) of acceptable quality. RESULTS: Seven patients (11 eyes) met inclusion criteria. Average age at presentation was 3.5 years (range 1 month-8 years) and the mean follow-up time was 34.28 months (range 2-87 months). Four patients (57.14%) showed bilateral optic disc hypoplasia. All eyes exhibited peripheral retina nonperfusion on FA, in which mild severity was found in 7 eyes (63.63%), moderate in 2 eyes (18.18%), severe in 1 eye (9.09%) and extreme in 1 eye (9.09%). Eight eyes (72.72%) showed evidence of 360 degrees of retinal nonperfusion. Two patients (18.18%) were diagnosed with concurrent retinal detachment that were deemed inoperable at the time of diagnosis. All cases were observed without intervention. None of the patients were observed to have complications during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Among pediatric patients with ONH, there appears to be a high rate of concurrent retinal nonperfusion. In these cases, FA is a helpful tool to detect peripheral nonperfusion. Retinal findings are subtle in some cases and may not be detectable in children with suboptimal imaging performed without examination under anesthesia.

Phenotypic expansion of KCNJ13-associated snowflake vitreoretinal degeneration.

INTRODUCTION: An 18-year old highly myopic woman presented with bilateral retinoschisis associated with a unilateral macular hole in the right eye and vitreomacular traction in the left eye. METHODS: Genetic studies disclosed a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the KCNJ13 gene was identified (c.484C>T (p.Arg162Trp)), consistent with a diagnosis of snowflake vitreoretinal degeneration (SVD). RESULTS: While there were no corneal guttata, juvenile cataracts, or perivascular sheathing in this case, salient features of SVD included a fibrillar vitreous structure, crystalline retinopathy, and flattened optic nerves. The patient developed a FTMH in the left eye at 17 months follow up, followed by a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) requiring 2 surgical repairs. CONCLUSION: This case expands on the spectrum of clinical features in SVD, including retinoschisis and FTMH. It also characterizes optical coherence tomography findings in this rare disease entity. We emphasize the importance of using panel-based genetic testing to clinically distinguish and further define atypical vitreoretinopathies.

Retinal Folds as a Clinical Feature of X-Linked Retinoschisis: A Series of Three Cases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The most common clinical features of X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) include macular schisis in a spoke wheel pattern and peripheral schisis, though other findings such as vitreous veils, vascular attenuation, and subretinal fibrosis have been described. This is the first report to describe retinal folds as a characteristic feature in patients with XLRS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a case series of patients presenting to the retina service at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with genetically confirmed XLRS. Patients included in this report underwent examination under anesthesia with multimodality imaging. RESULTS: Three patients with XLRS were found to have retinal folds, including a newly characterized "retinal scroll" seen on examination and multimodality imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a retinal fold should yield a differential diagnosis that includes XLRS in the correct clinical context. Panel-based genetic testing and multimodal imaging are useful in guiding clinical management. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2022;53(6):326-331.].

CRVO associated with COVID-19 and MTHFR mutation in a 15-year-old male.

Purpose: To report a case of a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) associated with COVID-19 in a patient predisposed to clotting due to a genetic mutation in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Observations: A 15-year-old male presented with 1 day of painless blurry vision in the left eye. Exam disclosed trace anterior chamber cell, anterior vitreous cell, optic nerve head edema, temporally displaced macular star, dilated tortuous veins, and diffuse intraretinal hemorrhages. Exam and FA was consistent with CRVO, however the macular star and OCT were suggestive of a neuroretinitis.The patient then presented to a children's hospital for further evaluation. A routine screen for COVID-19 via nasopharyngeal swab was positive with a high viral load. He also had a known history of an MTHFR mutation. Extensive laboratory and neuroradiologic evaluation excluded other infectious, inflammatory, and coagulopathic etiologies. Conclusions and Importance: This is a case of CRVO associated with COVID-19 infection and an underlying systemic hypercoagulable mutation, with an initial presentation that mimicked neuroretinitis. This case provides valuable diagnostic learning points and expands our knowledge of possible ocular complications of COVID-19.

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy associated with retinal astrocytic hamartoma.

PURPOSE: To report the first case of retinal astrocytic hamartoma (RAH) arising in the setting of Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). OBSERVATIONS: An otherwise healthy 3-month-old male was clinically diagnosed with Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy, with subsequent confirmation of a Frizzled-4 nonsense gene mutation. He was treated with multiple rounds of laser photocoagulation after demonstrated peripheral non-perfusion on fluorescein angiography. At 4 years of age, he was noted to have a solitary retinal astrocytic hamartoma in an area of anterior retinal traction which remains under observation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This case describes the first reported instance of a retinal astrocytic hamartoma arising in the setting of FEVR. Multiple factors may have contributed to the formation of this benign tumor, including retinal dysgenesis, genetic background, or even laser photocoagulation. More case reports and/or molecular studies are required to further clarify the potential role of these insults in the pathogenesis of RAH.

Retinopathy of Prematurity: Advances in the Screening and Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity Using a Single Center Approach.

PURPOSE: To focus on the longitudinal evaluation of high-risk infants for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at a single tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and to evaluate evolving demographics of ROP and the transition of treatment-warranted disease. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A consecutive retrospective review was performed of all infants screened for ROP between 1990 and 2019 at the Jackson Memorial Hospital neonatal intensive care unit. All inborn infants meeting a birth criteria of <32 weeks' gestational age (GA) or a birthweight (BW) of 1500 g were included. Longitudinal demographic, diagnostic, and treatment data were reported. RESULTS: Between January 1, 1990, and June 20, 2019, a total of 25,567 examinations were performed and 7436 patients were included. Longitudinal trends over 3 decades demonstrated a decreasing incidence of ROP (P < .05). Although the mean BW and GA increased over 3 decades, patients with ROP demonstrated lower BW and GA over time (P < .05). The prevalence of micro-premature infants (as defined by BW <750 g) continues to rise over time. Micro-preemies demonstrated increasing severity of zone and stage grading, plus disease, and propensity to require treatment (P < .05). The rate of progression of ROP to stage 4 and 5 disease has decreased over time, and there has been an associated increased adoption of intravitreal bevacizumab as primary and salvage therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the evolution of ROP infants and treatment over time is critical in identifying high-risk infants and in reducing the incidence of severe-stage ROP. Micro-prematurity is one of the significant risk factors for treatment-warranted ROP that continues to increase as neonatal care improves. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.

Case report: Vitreous hemorrhage as the presenting sign of retinal cavernous hemangioma in a newborn.

PURPOSE: To report a case of vitreous hemorrhage as the presenting sign of retinal cavernous hemangioma (RCH) in a newborn. OBSERVATIONS: A five-week-old full-term male with a history of seizures and birth trauma underwent ophthalmology screening. Initial eye examination revealed vitreous hemorrhage. Subsequent examination under anesthesia with multi-modal imaging revealed vitreous hemorrhage and an intra-retinal mass with numerous sac-like aneurysmal dilatations, consistent with RCH. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Vitreous hemorrhage in a neonate is an atypical presentation of RCH. Clinicians should be aware that birth trauma may lead to vitreous hemorrhage from RCH. This is the first description of RCH, a rare retinal vascular tumor, in a newborn.