Subfoveal Nodule Affecting Visual Prognosis in Coats Disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Pediatric Ophthalmology

Background:

• Coats disease is a rare condition characterized by retinal telangiectasia and exudation.
• Subfoveal nodules and macular fibrosis are potential complications affecting visual acuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics of subfoveal nodules in Korean patients with Coats disease.
• To determine the association between subfoveal nodules and visual outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients with stage 2B or 3A1 Coats disease.
• Evaluation of clinical features, imaging, presence of subfoveal nodules or macular fibrosis, and visual outcomes.

Main Results:

• Nine out of twelve patients (75%) had subfoveal nodules.
• Patients with subfoveal nodules showed a significantly higher incidence of severe visual loss (p=0.045).
• Macular fibrosis was significantly more frequent in patients with subfoveal nodules (p=0.045).

Conclusions:

• Subfoveal nodules in Korean patients with Coats disease are associated with macular fibrosis and poor visual prognosis.
• The presence of a subfoveal nodule may serve as an early predictor of adverse outcomes.
• Further multicenter studies and therapeutic research are warranted.