[Prognosis in idiopathic retinal periphlebitis. Apropos of 14 cases]

Fourteen patients (26 eyes) suffering from idiopathic retinal periphlebitis were followed during a mean time of 6 years (2 to 11 years). At the first examination, five eyes presented with irreversible loss of vision (tractional retinal detachment, neovascular glaucoma). At the end of follow-up, the visual acuity was inferior to 0.1 in 6 eyes, between 0.1 and 0.5 in 7 eyes, superior to 0.6 in 13 eyes. In 70% of cases, initial visual acuity was maintained or ameliorated. New vessels were present in association with significant capillary closure in 18 eyes (70%). Cystoid macular edema appeared in 7 eyes (27%). Steroid therapy, or immunosuppressants in few cases, were usefull to suppress intraocular inflammation. Laser photocoagulation was performed in 18 eyes in order to prevent or reduce ocular neovascularization; beneficial results were obtained in 13 eyes.