Unilateral retinitis pigmentosa in children.
Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Mercado, C. L., Pham, B. H., Beres, S., Marmor, M. F., Lambert, S. R.
2018
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare inherited retinal disorders characterized by diffuse progressive degeneration of the retina that typically presents bilaterally. Unilateral RP has not often been reported in children. We present a series of cases that illustrate discrimination between unilateral and asymmetric disease and between dystrophy and acquired degeneration.METHODS: Four patients (9-15 years of age; 3 females) were referred to our institution for possible unilateral RP based on fundus appearance and unilateral symptoms. All underwent full-field electroretinography (ERG), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), widefield and color fundus photography, and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Genetic testing and a vitamin and essential fatty acids panel were also conducted in 1 patient.RESULTS: Unilateral retinal degeneration was confirmed in 2 patients, whose fellow eyes showed no abnormalities on ERG or imaging. The other 2 patients were found to have highly asymmetric retinal degeneration based on ERG, wide-angle images, and repeated examinations (range, 0.3-9.8 years). Genetic testing and blood testing in 1 unilateral case were negative.CONCLUSIONS: Childhood-onset "unilateral RP" remains a difficult and uncertain diagnosis. ERG testing and longitudinal and widefield fundus examination are necessary to exclude asymmetrical disease. Although unilateral degeneration may exist in some children, its inherited or acquired etiology remains poorly understood.
View details for PubMedID 30243749
Abstract
Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 frequently manifest optic pathway gliomas-low-grade gliomas intrinsic to the visual pathway. This review describes the molecular and genetic mechanisms driving optic pathway gliomas as well as the clinical symptoms of this relatively common genetic condition. Recommendations for clinical management and descriptions of the newest imaging techniques are discussed.
View details for PubMedID 28941532
Abstract
Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) is defined by the presence of elevated intracranial pressure in the setting of normal brain parenchyma and cerebrospinal fluid. PTCS can occur in the pediatric and adult populations and, if untreated, may lead to permanent visual loss. In this review, discussion will focus on PTCS in the pediatric population and will outline its distinct epidemiology and key elements of diagnosis, evaluation and management. Finally, although the precise mechanisms are unclear, the underlying pathophysiology will be considered.
View details for PubMedID 28941525
