Phospholipase A2 group v in benign familial fleck retina in a set of triplets

To evaluate the association of phospholipase A2, Group V (PLA2G5), with benign familial fleck retina in a consanguineous family with triplets.

Clinical eye examination, including fundus examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography, was performed for all the family members. After blood sample collection and DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify regions spanning Exons 2, 3, 4, and 5 of PLA2G5. The amplified products were sequenced to observe the presence of any mutations.

Fundus examination in two of the triplets revealed discrete yellow-white flecks and both had good vision and absence of night blindness, consistent with benign familial fleck retina. The flecks were hyperautofluorescent. Furthermore, spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed focal thickening of the retinal pigment epithelium because of the presence of these flecks. Molecular investigations showed that PLA2G5 Exons 2, 4, and 5 harbored no misalignments among all family members. However, PLA2G5 Exon 3 showed a p.Gly45Cys mutation for the father and the third triplet who was affected.

The clinical findings in this family suggest a diagnosis of benign familial fleck retina with excellent prognosis, in which the PLA2G5 gene may play a role.