[Coats disease]

Coats disease is an idiopathic disorder characterized by an abnormal development of retinal vessels (telangiectasia), with a progressive deposition of intraretinal or subretinal exudates, leading to exudative retinal detachment. Classically is isolated, unilateral and affects mainly boys between 4 to 8 years. The diagnostic methods include direct and indirect opthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, ultrasonography, CT scan, MR imaging, especially în the advanced stages of disease, when is difficult to differentiate from retinoblastoma. The treatment includes laser therapy of abnormal leaking retinal vessels and cryotherapy în early stages, more advanced stages require surgical techniques of retinal reattachment. Stabilization of the disease course or clinical improvement can be achieved using a carefully selected therapy.