Massive vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) expression in Eales' disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Vascular Diseases
• Immunopathology

Background:

• Eales' disease is an idiopathic retinal vasculitis characterized by neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhages.
• The propensity for extensive retinal neovascularization in Eales' disease warrants further investigation.
• This case study examines a long-term Eales' disease patient with unilateral involvement, including enucleation for neovascular glaucoma.

Observation:

• A long-term case of Eales' disease presented with typical symptoms in one eye and neovascular glaucoma in the other, necessitating enucleation.
• Histopathological examination of the enucleated eye revealed neovascular glaucoma, retinal detachments, and neovascular membranes.
• Immunohistochemistry showed significant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in retinal neovascular membranes and B-cell infiltrates.

Findings:

• The operated eye showed favorable evolution after treatment for inflammation.
• Histopathology confirmed neovascular glaucoma, tractional retinal detachments, and vitreous hemorrhages in the enucleated eye.
• Intense VEGF expression was observed in retinal neovascular membranes, alongside prominent Müller cell gliosis and B-cell infiltration.

Implications:

• The study highlights a strong correlation between neovascular proliferation in Eales' disease and elevated VEGF levels.
• Increased VEGF expression may explain the aggressive neovascularization and recurrent vitreous hemorrhages characteristic of Eales' disease.
• Understanding the role of VEGF could lead to targeted therapies for managing this sight-threatening condition.