Peripheral retinal neovascularization in diabetes mellitus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Peripheral proliferative retinopathy is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus.
• Retinal neovascularization anterior to the equator indicates advanced diabetic eye disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate associated systemic abnormalities in diabetic patients presenting with peripheral proliferative retinopathy.
• To highlight the importance of screening for comorbidities in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case study of seven diabetic patients.
• Review of patient records for associated systemic conditions.

Main Results:

• Five patients had systemic arterial hypertension.
• Four patients tested positive for fluorescent treponemal antibodies.
• One patient each had benign monoclonal gammopathy, intravenous drug abuse, or hemoglobin AS.

Conclusions:

• Diabetic patients with peripheral proliferative retinopathy often have coexisting systemic diseases.
• Systemic evaluation is recommended for diabetic patients with predominantly peripheral neovascularization.