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[Two cases of idiopathic preretinal macular fibrosis in children]
K Tetsumoto1, K Nakahashi, Y Tsukahara
1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kobe University, Japan.
Insights
Idiopathic preretinal macular fibrosis is rare in children. Conservative follow-up is recommended, with careful consideration for vitreous surgery due to potential poor outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
Background:
- Idiopathic preretinal macular fibrosis (IPMF) typically affects older adults.
- IPMF in pediatric patients is uncommon, with unknown pathogenesis.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients (10-year-old boy, 14-year-old girl) presented with blurred vision.
- Epiretinal membranes were identified in the macular region of their right eyes.
Findings:
- Both patients were diagnosed with idiopathic preretinal macular fibrosis.
- The boy's vision initially worsened but spontaneously improved and stabilized.
- The girl experienced rapid vision decline, and vitreous surgery resulted in poor visual outcomes.
Implications:
- Conservative management is suggested for pediatric IPMF.
- Surgical intervention requires careful evaluation of risks and benefits in children.
Abstract:
We report herein the findings in two patients less than 15 years old with the diagnosis of idiopathic preretinal macular fibrosis, a disorder found primarily in the older population. Only a few reports have discussed idiopathic preretinal macular fibrosis in children and its pathogenesis is still unknown. One is a 10-year-old boy and the other is a 14-year-old girl who visited our hospital with a chief complaint of blurred vision in their right eyes. Epiretinal membranes were recognized on the macular region of their right eyes. Since there was no causative factors, a diagnosis of idiopathic preretinal macular fibrosis was made. They were conservatively followed up. The vision of the boy once worsened but improved spontaneously and remained stable for three years. Because the vision of the girl worsened rapidly, vitreous surgery was performed to remove the epiretinal membrane, resulting in poor vision. It was suggested that this disorder in children should be followed up conservatively and the indication of vitreous surgery should be carefully determined.
