Subretinal neovascularization in children and adolescents
E B Goshorn1, D L Hoover, A W Eller
1Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Summary
Pediatric subretinal neovascular membranes (SRNVM) are rare but often linked to inflammation. A hyperpigmented ring on angiography may indicate spontaneous involution and better visual outcomes in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Subretinal neovascular membranes (SRNVM) are uncommon in pediatric patients.
- Understanding the characteristics and prognosis of pediatric SRNVM is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the clinical presentation, etiology, course, and management of SRNVM in children.
- To identify factors associated with spontaneous involution and visual prognosis in pediatric SRNVM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 25 pediatric patients (27 eyes) diagnosed with SRNVM.
- Analysis of clinical data, including etiology, treatment, and visual acuity outcomes.
- Fluorescein angiography findings, specifically the presence of a hyperpigmented ring, were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory or infectious conditions were the predominant causes of SRNVM in this cohort (10 of 25).
- Of 19 untreated SRNVM, 11 (58%) showed spontaneous involution.
- Nine of the 11 eyes with spontaneous involution achieved a final visual acuity of 20/50 or better.
- A hyperpigmented ring on fluorescein angiography was observed in 9 of the 11 involuted SRNVM.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric SRNVM, while rare, frequently stem from inflammatory or infectious causes.
- Spontaneous involution is a common outcome for untreated pediatric SRNVM, often leading to favorable visual acuity.
- The presence of a hyperpigmented ring on fluorescein angiography may serve as a predictive marker for spontaneous involution and a better visual prognosis in pediatric SRNVM.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...


