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Bilateral Retinoblastoma Presenting in an in vitro Fertilization Infant with Retinopathy of Prematurity
Ruba Saleh Alghofaili1,2, Saleh A Almesfer2
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and retinoblastoma (RB) can co-occur in infants. This case report details an infant conceived via IVF who developed RB after ROP treatment, underscoring the need for ongoing eye surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a developmental disorder affecting premature infants.
- Retinoblastoma (RB) is a genetic malignancy of the retina.
- Co-occurrence of ROP and RB is rare but reported.
Observation:
- An infant conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF) presented with advanced-stage ROP.
- Following ROP treatment, the infant developed bilateral retinoblastoma.
- The RB necessitated bilateral enucleation despite initial ROP management.
Findings:
- This is the sixth reported case of co-occurring ROP and RB.
- The infant's history includes IVF conception and advanced ROP.
- The temporal association raises questions about potential links between IVF, ROP, and RB.
Implications:
- While causal links are unlikely, the case highlights the importance of vigilant follow-up for ROP patients.
- Early detection and management of ocular sequelae, including retinoblastoma, are crucial.
- Further research may explore potential shared risk factors or biological interactions.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and retinoblastoma (RB) are well-described entities in premature babies. Although their pathogeneses are different, with ROP representing a disorder of interrupted development and RB a genetic disease, a few co-occurring cases have been reported, raising the possibility that the 2 conditions. Here, we report the sixth such case of co-occurring ROP and RB in an 8-month-old infant conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) who developed bilateral retinoblastoma a few months after treatment for advanced-stage ROP. While the ROP was initially adequately managed, bilateral RB necessitated bilateral enucleation. This case raises a number of important questions about whether IVF, ROP, and RB are causally related. Although the associations between IVF, ROP, and RB are likely to be coincidental, this case nevertheless highlights that ROP patients require regular follow-up for early diagnosis and treatment of ocular sequelae including RB.
