Coats' disease diagnosed in adulthood

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Vascular Abnormalities

Background:

• Coats' disease is typically diagnosed in childhood.
• Adult-onset Coats' disease is rare and less understood.
• Understanding adult manifestations is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate adult-onset Coats' disease.
• To describe its clinical course and patient characteristics.
• To identify differences from childhood-onset disease.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational case series.
• Analyzed 13 adult patients (age >35) with Coats' disease.
• Excluded other retinal vascular or inflammatory conditions.

Main Results:

• Mean age at diagnosis was 50 years.
• Common findings: unilateral presentation, telangiectasis, exudation, macular edema.
• Disease often limited (<6 clock hours), slower progression, and hemorrhage near dilatations.

Conclusions:

• Coats' disease can manifest in adulthood.
• Adult cases share similarities but show distinct features like limited involvement and slower progression.
• Adult-onset Coats' disease has a generally favorable prognosis.