Linear streaks associated with retinitis pigmentosa

To describe a phenotypical manifestation characterized by the identification of peripheral linear streaks associated with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Study design is a prospective observational case series. All consecutive patients affected by RP underwent a complete ophthalmological examination. The diagnosis of peripheral linear streaks was based on the identification of curvilinear atrophic streaks in the periphery of the retina.

Overall, six out of 140 patients (4.2%) were affected by peripheral linear streaks associated with RP. A single patient showed also punched out chorioretinal lesions at the posterior pole, with macular neovascularization development over the follow-up, treated with ranibizumab injections.

RP phenotypical manifestation characterized by peripheral linear streaks is infrequent and may provide additional evidence to support the contribution of inflammation in the pathogenesis of RP.