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The earliest case of retinopathy of prematurity?
F M Cuthbertson1, F Bishop, T R Dabbs
1Department of Ophthalmology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK. fcuthbertson@hotmail.com
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition typically seen in premature infants. This case report details apparent regressed ROP in an adult born before ROP was formally documented.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Medical History
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative retinal disorder affecting premature infants.
- Historically, ROP was first described in the mid-20th century, with significant research emerging in the 1950s.
Observation:
- A case of apparent regressed retinopathy of prematurity was identified in an adult female.
- The patient was born in May 1939, predating the initial documented reports and understanding of ROP.
Findings:
- The ocular findings suggest a diagnosis of regressed retinopathy of prematurity.
- This presentation indicates the potential for ROP to occur and regress without contemporary medical recognition or intervention.
Implications:
- This case challenges the established timeline for the recognition of retinopathy of prematurity.
- It suggests that ROP may have existed and potentially regressed in infants prior to its formal identification and study.
- Further historical research may be warranted to understand the full scope of ROP's past prevalence.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a well-recognized condition in premature babies born today and in the recent past. One would not normally expect to come across evidence of its existence among older patients. We present a case of apparent regressed ROP in a lady born in May 1939, prior to the documented reports of the first cases.
