SYMPTOMATIC EARLY-ONSET X-LINKED RETINOSCHISIS: Clinical Presentation and Outcomes

Gwendoline Piquin1, Youssef Abdelmassih1, Gilles Martin1

  • 1Pediatric Ophthalmology Department, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France; and.

Insights

Early-onset X-linked retinoschisis in children presents severely, often with peripheral retinoschisis extending to the macula. Surgical intervention is frequently required for complications, but outcomes can vary.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is a genetic retinal disorder affecting primarily males.
  • Early-onset XLRS can lead to significant visual impairment in children.
  • Understanding the clinical spectrum and outcomes is crucial for timely management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical presentation and outcomes of children with early-onset X-linked retinoschisis.
  • To identify common signs, complications, and treatment responses in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series of children diagnosed with symptomatic X-linked retinoschisis before age 2.
  • Data collected included presenting symptoms, clinical findings, treatments, and visual outcomes.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was utilized for detailed retinal assessment.

Main Results:

  • Seven children (14 eyes) were analyzed, with strabismus being the most common initial symptom.
  • Peripheral retinoschisis was present in 93% of eyes, often bullous and involving the macula (foveoschisis).
  • Vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment occurred in 21% of eyes; 42% required surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Early-onset X-linked retinoschisis manifests as a severe condition with widespread retinal involvement.
  • Peripheral retinoschisis extending to the macula is a consistent finding.
  • Complications necessitate surgical intervention, and while visual acuity varies, persistent detachment was not observed.
Abstract