Pearls and pitfalls in diagnosis and management of coats disease

Coats disease presenting with vitreous hemorrhage and neovascular glaucoma

Purpose

To describe a patient with Coats disease with an atypical presentation of neovascular glaucoma and vitreous hemorrhage.

Observations

A 15-year-old male presented with five days of pain, redness, and swelling and was found to have neovascular glaucoma in his right eye. Further evaluation revealed Coats disease stage 3AI with a subtotal exudative retinal detachment inferiorly, telangiectatic vessels, and vitreous hemorrhage. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, laser photocoagulation, pars plana vitrectomy, and valved tube-shunt placement was performed, eventually resulting in a favorable visual outcome.

Conclusions and importance

We report a patient with a unique presentation of advanced Coats disease. By highlighting the treatment approach and potential factors that led to the preservation of visual function, we hope to expand the literature on the diagnosis and management of Coats disease.

Coats' disease in adulthood with preserved vision after intravitreal aflibercept injection combined with laser photocoagulation : a case report

BACKGROUND

This case report describes a rare case of Coats disease in adult female patient with preserved vision after intravitreal Aflibercept injection and laser photocoagulation.

CASE PRESENTATION

A female patient of Asian Palestinian descent, aged 20, exhibited a progressive and painless deterioration in the vision of her left eye over a period of two weeks. She exhibited no additional ocular symptoms. Prior to her presentation, she had no notable medical history and her vision was normal in both eyes. Inferotemporal telangiectasia, sausage-like blood vessels with perivascular sheathing in the peripheral fundus, extensive exudate involving the macula, severe macular edema, and localized inferotemporal exudative retinal detachment were observed upon examination of the posterior segment of her left eye. Following this, optical coherence tomography (OCT) identified subretinal exudate, intraretinal and subretinal fluid. After establishing the diagnosis of stage 3 Coats' disease, the patient was treated with intravitreal Aflibercept (Eylea) injections and sectoral laser photocagulation. The third injection resulted in the absence of intraretinal and subretinal fluid by OCT, but the subretinal exudate remained unresolved. One month subsequent to the previous injection, FFA guided sectoral laser photoagulation was applied to the inferiotemporal ischemic area. The patient was subsequently monitored monthly, and her vision improved. Five months after treatment, her vision has improved to 0.7 (6/8.7) and she has remained stable ever since. At present, the patient is undergoing routine outpatient follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Coats disease is an idiopathic, progressive disease that mostly affects male infants, yet adult cases have been documented. Our case and the existing body of literature indicate that adult individuals have a favorable visual prognosis in the small proportion of cases where this occurs. It appeared that the implementation of intravitreal therapies and increased use of lasers led to enhanced visual outcomes. It is recommended to perform lifelong follow-up to monitor for recurrences and complications.

Coats' Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Advances in Treatment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Coats' disease, first described by George Coats in 1908, is a rare ocular disorder primarily affecting young males, often unilaterally. It is characterized by retinal telangiectasia, aneurysms, and exudation, which, in severe cases, can lead to blindness, painful red eye, or ocular atrophy, particularly with early childhood onset. Over the last century, advancements have been made in understanding its natural history, morphology, incidence, and clinical manifestations, showing a male predominance without significant ethnic disparities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Coats' disease, focusing on its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management strategies.

METHODS

The pathogenesis of Coats' Disease is multifactorial, involving inflammatory, vascular, and potentially genetic components. Early theories suggested inflammation as the primary cause, but modern research highlights the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), where ischemic retinal areas elevate VEGF levels, promoting angiogenesis and impairing the blood-retinal barrier. Clinically, the disease is asymptomatic in early stages but progresses to symptoms like reduced visual acuity, strabismus, and leukocoria, typically within the first decade of life. Diagnostic methods include fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA), with recent studies identifying reduced blood flow density in capillary networks. Management ranges from intravitreal anti-VEGF agents and steroids to surgical options like pars plana vitrectomy and transscleral drainage, with additional techniques such as laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy proving effective in advanced stages.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis of Coats' Disease heavily depends on the stage of disease at presentation. Early detection and intervention can preserve vision, but advanced stages often result in poor outcomes. Factors such as younger age at presentation, advanced stage, and severe manifestations are associated with more aggressive progression and poorer prognosis. This review highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a multifaceted management approach, emphasizing the need for further research into its pathophysiology and innovative treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Natural plant medications for the treatment of retinal diseases: The blood-retinal barrier as a clue

BACKGROUND

Retinal diseases significantly contribute to the global burden of visual impairment and blindness. The occurrence of retinal diseases is often accompanied by destruction of the blood‒retinal barrier, a vital physiological structure responsible for maintaining the stability of the retinal microenvironment. However, detailed summaries of the factors damage the blood‒retinal barrier and treatment methods involving natural plant medications are lacking.

PURPOSE

To comprehensively summarize and analyze the protective effects of active substances in natural plant medications on damage to the blood-retina barrier that occurs when retinal illnesses, particularly diabetic retinopathy, and examine their medicinal value and future development prospects.

METHODS

In this study, we searched for studies published in the ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used included natural plant medications, plants, natural herbs, blood retinal barrier, retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and uveitis. Chinese herbal compound articles, non-English articles, warning journals, and duplicates were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

The blood‒retinal barrier is susceptible to high glucose, aging, immune responses, and other factors that destroy retinal homeostasis, resulting in pathological changes such as apoptosis and increased vascular permeability. Existing studies have shown that the active compounds or extracts of many natural plants have the effect of repairing blood-retinal barrier dysfunction. Notably, berberine, puerarin, and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides exhibited remarkable therapeutic effects. Additionally, curcumin, astragaloside IV, hesperidin, resveratrol, ginsenoside Rb1, luteolin, and Panax notoginseng saponins can effectively protect the blood‒retinal barrier by interfering with distinct pathways. The active ingredients found in natural plant medications primarily repair the blood‒retinal barrier by modulating pathological factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, and autophagy, thereby alleviating retinal diseases.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes a series of plant extracts and plant active compounds that can treat retinal diseases by preventing and treating blood‒retinal barrier damage and provides reference for the research of new drugs for treating retinal diseases.

Masquerade syndrome: A review of uveitic imposters

Masquerade syndromes in uveitis are complex clinical conditions where non-inflammatory diseases mimic uveitic manifestations, often leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review delves into the diverse spectrum of masquerade syndromes, categorizing them into neoplastic and non-neoplastic entities. We explore the prevalence of primary intraocular lymphoma, leukaemia, retinoblastoma, and other malignancies, as well as conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and endophthalmitis that can present as uveitis. Through detailed analysis of symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches, the review emphasizes the importance of considering masquerade syndromes in differential diagnoses to prevent mismanagement. The synthesis of current knowledge aims to enhance clinicians' ability to discern these complex presentations, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and care, thereby improving patient outcomes in cases of uveitic masquerade syndromes.

Intra-Anterior Chamber Injection of Ranibizumab in Advanced Pediatric Vitreoretinal Diseases

Importance

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment through intravitreal or subretinal administrations has been proven effective for VEGF-driven pediatric vitreoretinal diseases but are not feasible for advanced cases, such as shallow traction retinal detachments or peripheral circumferential retinal detachments which adhere to the lens. Intra-anterior chamber injection (IAcI) of anti-VEGF may be a viable alternative in such cases but needs evaluation.

Objective

To investigate the effects and safety of IAcI of anti-VEGF to treat VEGF-driven pediatric vitreoretinal diseases.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective observational case series study conducted at Xinhua Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China. The study included 14 eyes of 13 children diagnosed with vitreoretinal disease exhibiting elevated vascular activity between January and August 2023.

Intervention

IAcI with ranibizumab.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Retinal vascular abnormalities, vitreous hemorrhage resolution, and complications 1 month and 3 months after injection.

Results

Of 13 patients included in this study, 12 were male. The mean age was 4.6 years (range, 1 month to 9 years). Six patients were diagnosed with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, 4 with morning glory syndrome, 1 with retinopathy of prematurity, and 2 with chronic retinal detachments of unknown causes. At 1-month postoperative follow-up, vascular activity had decreased in 14 of 14 eyes. At 3-month follow-up, vascular activity had resolved in 7 of 14 eyes, persisted in 6 of 14 eyes, and reactivated in 1 of 14 eyes. On final observation, no complications were reported.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings support the possibility of treatment using IAcI with ranibizumab to decrease retinal vascular abnormalities in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy or retinopathy of prematurity or related conditions, but further studies are needed to understand more precise benefits and risks. This approach might be considered in cases where intravitreal or subretinal injection are not feasible, recognizing the limitations of these findings and that longer-term outcomes still need to be monitored.

Efficacy and Safety of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drugs for Coats' Disease Treatment: A Systematic Review

Purpose: The efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for Coats' disease remains controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF treatment for Coats' disease. Methods: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, CNKI, and WanFang databases were systematically searched for clinical efficacy and safety studies on anti-VEGF treatment for Coats' disease through June 2021. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently performed by 2 reviewers. Quality assessments were performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools and GRADE-CERQual. Results: A total of 1,501 articles were retrieved and reviewed, of which 24 case series involving 378 patients (range: 3-67 patients each with 3-71 eyes) were included in the analysis. No randomized controlled trials, case-controlled studies, or cohort studies were available for analysis. Most patients were male (60.0%-92.9%), aged 1.35-42.3 years, with a median follow-up time ranging from 3 to 63 months. Among the 24 case series, 22 reported changes in the visual acuity (VA) after anti-VEGF treatment and 21 reported safety outcomes. The results showed that VA improved in 73 patients (37.63%), was stable in 89 (45.87%), and worsening VA was observed in 12 cases (6.19%). The most common adverse event was fibrotic changes (n = 35). Systemic complications were not observed. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that anti-VEGF drugs provide an effective and relatively safe treatment strategy for Coats' disease. However, conducting well-designed, prospective, randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm our findings.

Clinicopathological Correlations in Enucleated Globes of Late-Stage Coats Disease with a Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Coats disease may cause diagnostic dilemma because of its variable clinical presentation that can be suspicious of retinoblastoma. Late sequelae of the disease are blinding with possible enucleation. We demonstrate the main histopathological findings of Coats enucleated eyes with literature review.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all enucleated globes diagnosed as Coats disease over 30 years and were reviewed by two pathologists. The corresponding demographic data, clinical presentation, pre-operative clinical impression, and indication for enucleation were collected. Descriptive analysis of our own series data was performed. Our findings were then correlated to published data that were collected from 1983 to 2021 from the PUBMED database in English-written language. Shields classification was used as an inclusion criterion for the published reports to be analyzed.

RESULTS

We had seven enucleated globes with Coats disease. Mean age at presentation was 3.2 years (range 3 months to 9 years). Male predominance was observed in 6 and all cases were unilateral. Strabismus was the most common initial presentation (57%, n = 4), followed by leukocoria (43%, n = 3). Indication for enucleation was mostly suspected retinoblastoma (57%, n = 4). Four eyes were classified as stage 4, and 2 had advanced stage 5 changes. Histopathologically, subretinal fluid with lipid-laden macrophages was seen in all cases, the anterior chamber was shallow in 5/7 with angle neovascularization in 2/7. Telangiectatic vessels were clearly observed in 4/7.

CONCLUSION

Coats disease is a potentially visually disabling disease that is mostly unilateral in 95%, has male predominance of 81%, and wide age range with a mean of 17 years. In Saudi Arabia, the disease seems to present at younger age, tends to be more advanced, and may be indistinguishable from retinoblastoma at the time of diagnosis. Shields staging of Coats is highly recommended to be followed clinically to unify the pathways for treatment and to correlate the concluded outcomes.

Coats' disease: trends and long-term treatment outcomes in a tertiary referral centre

Background:

The long-term treatment outcomes in Coat’s disease – particularly in the era of newer pharmacotherapies such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and depot steroids – are poorly understood.

Aim:

To describe the clinical features and treatment outcomes of 148 eyes with Coats’ disease assessed in a referral centre over 30 years.

Materials and methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with Coats’ disease between 1 June 1987 and 31 July 2017. The demographic, clinical and treatment data were collected and long-term functional and anatomical outcomes were analysed based on the treatment either with conventional therapy (cryo/laser) or along with adjuvants like intravitreal steroids or anti-VEGFs.

Results:

The mean age at presentation was 15.22 years (median 11). Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy was the most common referral diagnosis, 76/148 (51.5%), followed by Coats’ disease, 37/148 (25%), and retinoblastoma, 35/148 (23.6%). Stage 3B was most common at presentation (31.8%), followed by 2B (22.3%) and 2A (16.9%). A total of 107 patients were treated either with conventional therapy or in combination with adjuvants. The mean follow-up period was 24.95 months. The visual acuity improved from baseline logMAR 2.17 (Snellen-20/2958) to logMAR 1.88 (Snellen-20/1517) at final follow-up (p = 0.004). The improvement in visual acuity was better when the presenting BCVA was <1 logMAR (Snellen 20/200), p = 0.004. No statistically significant change in BCVA was noted between conventional and adjuvant groups, p = 0.5. However, the final anatomical outcome was good in 78/99 (78.8%) in the conventional group and 45/49 (91.8%) in the adjuvant group, respectively (p = 0.046).

Conclusion:

In this series of patients with Coats’ disease over three decades, the use of intravitreal steroids or anti-VEGFs as adjuvants resulted in better anatomical outcomes. A better baseline visual acuity, lower stage of the disease, and older age at presentation were found to be the factors leading to favourable visual outcomes.

Summary

In the current series of 148 eyes with Coats’ disease, adjuvant treatment with intravitreal steroids or anti-VEGFs resulted in better outcomes as compared with conventional cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation alone. Patients with Coats’ disease who had presented with better visual acuity at baseline, lower stage of the disease and older age had better final visual outcomes.

Choroidal vascular structures in diabetic patients: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Choroidal vascular structures are likely to be affected in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of choroidal vascular structures in diabetic eyes with no diabetic retinopathy (NDR) and healthy control eyes, which was systematically evaluated by various factors involving the measurements.

METHODS

This study identified clinical data from publications in PubMed and web of science until May 2020. Independent retrospective or prospective clinical studies comparing NDR and healthy control eyes regarding choroidal vascular structures were extracted. Five related studies were enrolled, cumulating in a total of 282 diabetic eyes and 511 control eyes examined in this study. Heterogeneity was statistically quantified by I2 statistics, and meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. This study included 2 different algorisms of binarization determining the ratio of luminal areas in total choroidal areas, both of which were consolidated and called "choroidal vascular ratio."

RESULTS

Meta-analysis clearly showed that the choroidal vascular ratio was significantly lower in NDR eyes than in healthy control eyes (weighted mean difference =  - 2.16; 95%CI: - 3.19 to - 1.13; P < 0.005). Similar results were obtained in sub-analysis based on adjustment of serum HbA1c levels and duration of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The choroidal vascular ratio of NDR eyes was significantly lower than that of healthy control eyes. The ratio might contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy, although there was some heterogeneity in primary analysis studies.

Bilateral Retinal Vein Occlusion-Simulated Coats' Disease

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a differential diagnosis for Coats' disease due to retinal arterial Leber's aneurysms. Occasionally, RVO shows a Coats-like appearance. The differential diagnosis between Coats' disease and RVO is essential for clinical therapy, especially for those obsolete RVOs with collateral vessels and without retinal hemorrhage. In this case report, we describe and discuss the imaging characteristics of bilateral RVO-simulated Coats' disease with tortuous retinal arterioles and its prognosis after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, which will be beneficial for its definite diagnosis and aid further investigation.

Retinoschisis in Coats Disease: Clinical Picture, Therapeutic Considerations, and Management Outcomes

Purpose:

Retinoschisis in inflammatory and exudative retinopathy is a known but rare entity. We describe the presentation and clinical and surgical outcomes of a series of patients with retinoschisis in the setting of Coats disease.

Methods:

This retrospective case series of patients with Coats disease recorded visual acuity and the number and type of treatments (eg, angiography-guided photocoagulation, intravitreal bevacizumab, sub-Tenon triamcinolone, or vitreoretinal surgery).

Results:

Eighteen of 133 patients with Coats disease were diagnosed with retinoschisis by color imaging. All (100%) of the areas of schisis or macrocyst were associated with dense subretinal exudation, whereas only 7 (38.8%) were associated with exudative retinal detachment. Initial best-corrected visual acuity in the schisis cohort was 1.14 ± 1.19 (Snellen equivalent, 20/276) vs 1.42 ± 1.40 (Snellen, 20/526) in those without ( P = .56). Final best-corrected visual acuity was 1.76 ± 1.37 (Snellen, 20/1150) and 1.45 ± 1.44 (Snellen, 20/563), respectively ( P = .43). The mean number of treatments in individuals with schisis was 4.8 ± 2.9 for angiography-guided photocoagulation, 4.5 ± 2.9 for intravitreal bevacizumab, and 1.7±1.2 for sub-Tenon triamcinolone. Intraocular surgery was required in 39% (7 of 18) of patients with schisis vs 22% (25 of 115) for patients without schisis ( P = .14). One eye required enucleation, and histopathology of the schisis pocket was obtained.

Conclusions:

The pathophysiology of retinoschisis in Coats disease is not completely understood. We propose that telangiectatic leakage, hypoxia, and toxicity to the retinal pigment epithelial cells play a role in cavity development, and therefore may represent a clinical feature of advanced or uncontrolled disease.

Clinical features and prognostic factors in 71 eyes over 20 years from patients with Coats' disease in Korea

This retrospective study assesses the clinical features, treatment strategies, and long-term outcomes of patients with Coats’ disease in Korea. Multimodal imaging and medical records of consecutive patients treated between July 2000 and April 2020 at two tertiary centers were evaluated based on onset age (adult vs. childhood [< 18 years]). Factors associated with final visual acuity (VA) and risk of treatment failure were assessed. A total of 71 eyes of 67 patients were included, with subgrouping by onset age showing 45% childhood and 55% adult cases. Overall, Stage 2 disease was most common at presentation (76%), though childhood cases had more Stage 3b (22% vs. 3%, P = 0.02) and greater clock hours of retinal telangiectasia (7 vs. 5, P = 0.005). First-line treatment included laser (25%), combined laser/anti-VEGF (23%), cryotherapy (20%), surgery (16%), and anti-VEGF only (9%). Cryotherapy was associated with a higher risk for secondary interventions (OR 11.8, P < 0.001), required in 56% overall. Despite a 3-line VA decrease in 34% overall, adult cases had superior final VA (P = 0.037). Multivariable regression showed that the number of anti-VEGF injections performed during the initial treatment period was associated with a 9.4 letter improvement in vision (P = 0.041). We observed a higher proportion of adult-onset Coats’ disease than previously reported in other non-Asian populations. An aggressive treatment with the addition of anti-VEGF may yield the most favorable long-term visual outcomes.

Experience with Intravitreal Ranibizumab as an Adjunct to Ablation Therapy in Eyes with Exudative Coats' Disease

Background

Coats’ disease is a rare entity with retinal vascular telangiectasia that can progress to exudative retinal detachment, neovascular glaucoma, and a blind painful eye requiring enucleation. Despite recent therapeutic advances decreasing the need for enucleation, no consensus exists about the optimum management of exudative Coats’ disease. The use of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents as an adjunct to ablation therapy has been shown to achieve favorable outcomes, but some reports suggest an increased incidence of vitreoretinal (VR) fibrosis and tractional retinal detachment (TRD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients presenting with exudative Coats’ disease (stages 2 and 3) from April 2016 till November 2020. Extracted data included clinical and radiological assessment, stage (Shields’ classification), interventions, and follow-up.

Results

Sixteen eyes were included in the final analysis, of which 4 (25%) were stage 2 and 12 (75%) were stage 3. All eyes underwent intravitreal ranibizumab injection combined with ablation therapy, 14 (87.5%) underwent cryotherapy, 4 (25%) underwent laser ablation, 3 (18.75%) underwent external subretinal fluid drainage, and 3 (18.75%) underwent buckle or vitrectomy surgery. After a median follow-up of 16 months, 11 eyes (68.75%) had complete resolution, 4 (25%) had incomplete resolution, and only one (6.25%) progressed but did not require enucleation. Three eyes (18.75%) developed VR fibrosis, but none progressed to TRD.

Conclusion

Combining intravitreal ranibizumab injection with ablation therapy is effective in managing exudative Coats’ disease. External drainage should be preserved for when ablation therapy is not feasible. Future prospective trials with pre-defined outcomes are required.

Surgical Management of Advanced Coats Disease in 32 Eyes: A 20-Year Study

Purpose:

This work studies outcomes of external subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage in management of eyes with advanced Coats disease.

Methods:

Patients with advanced-stage Coats disease (≥stage 3B), who were younger than 12 years and underwent external SRF drainage from 1996 to 2016, were included in this retrospective study. Surgical intervention involved external drainage of SRF and cryotherapy. SRF drainage was performed by lamellar scleral dissection or by external needle drainage. Favorable anatomical outcome was defined as retinal reattachment with normal intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP greater than 24 mm Hg was considered raised. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to measure the association between preoperative or intraoperative factors and retinal status at final follow-up. Outcome measures evaluated included visual acuity, IOP, retinal status, globe status, and complications of surgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for globe salvage without pain.

Results:

Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients were included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 3.8 ± 3 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 7 years (range, 6 months-15.7 years). Improvement in visual acuity was seen in 5 eyes. Retina was attached at final visit in 6 eyes. IOP in the range of 8 to 24 mm Hg was noted in 16 eyes. Favorable anatomical outcome was achieved in 3 (9%) eyes. Globe salvage was achieved in 84% of eyes. Complications included intraoperative vitreous hemorrhage (n = 1) and postoperative inflammation (n = 1). Kaplan-Meier ocular survival rate without pain at 10 years was 76%.

Conclusions:

SRF drainage and cryotherapy in eyes with advanced Coats disease favorably alter the natural history of the disease and prevent end-stage complications. Visual outcomes remain poor.

SUBCLINICAL MACULAR CHANGES AND DISEASE LATERALITY IN PEDIATRIC COATS DISEASE DETERMINED BY QUANTITATIVE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY

Optical coherence tomography angiography quantitative data in pediatric eyes with unilateral Coats disease found significant differences in vascular density and foveal avascular zone area between disease and fellow eyes that precede clinical signs.

Purpose:

To determine vascular change at the macula in both eyes in unilateral pediatric Coats disease using optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods:

Retrospective case-series. Thirteen eyes of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of unilateral Coats disease of various stages were compared with 13 fellow eyes. Optical coherence tomography angiography images were acquired using the RTVue XR Avanti. Scans were analyzed with novel projection artifact removal software and improved segmentation. Vascular density and foveal avascular zone area were calculated.

Results:

Vascular density was significantly decreased in eyes with Coats disease in comparison with fellow eyes in both the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus (43.7 ± 4.7 vs. 45.9 ± 4.4 [P = 0.000] and 43.0 ± 6.3 vs. 50.3 ± 2.2 [P = 0.001], respectively). The difference was also significant for most sectors of the macula. Foveal avascular zone area was significantly larger in eyes with Coats disease in comparison with fellow eyes (0.29 ± 0.1 vs. 0.24 ± 0.09 [P = 0.003]). These significant differences appeared as early as Stage 2A, preceding clinical findings.

Conclusion:

The findings support the unilaterality of Coats disease and show that vascular changes on optical coherence tomography angiography precede clinical staging of the condition.

Advanced Coats' disease treated with intravitreal brolucizumab combined with laser photocoagulation

Purpose

To report the first use the intravitreal anti-VEGF brolucizumab for the treatment of macular exudates and edema in a patient with Coats’ disease.

Observations

A 9-year-old boy was referred with a decrease in vision in the right eye. Visual acuity was 20/400 OD on presentation, and examination was remarkable for peripheral telangiectasias, exudates, microaneurysms, macular edema, and an inferior exudative retinal detachment. A diagnosis of Stage 3A2 Coats’ disease was made, and the patient was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab as well as peripheral diode laser. However, on follow up, there was persistence of subretinal fluid accompanied by a decrease in visual acuity. The patient was then treated with intravitreal brolucizumab. Post injection visual and anatomical improvements were significant with complete resolution of macular edema within two weeks. Throughout the 5 months of follow up, there has been no re-accumulation of fluid and no further required therapy.

Conclusions and Importance

Intravitreal brolucizumab was effective for the treatment of retinal edema and exudates in Coats’ disease.

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Intravitreal brolucizumab may be used in select pediatric patients with positive outcomes.

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Patients with Coats' disease may benefit from the efficacy of intravitreal brolucizumab.

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Intravitreal brolucizumab combined with laser photocoagulation can be effective for advanced Coats disease.

Management of stage 3B Coats disease: presentation of a combined treatment modality and long-term follow-up

PURPOSE

To present a combined treatment modality in the management of stage 3B Coats disease and to evaluate its efficacy in the long-term follow-up.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of 29 eyes from 29 consecutive patients who had stage 3B Coats disease with total exudative retinal detachment (ERD). The combined treatment modality consisted of external drainage of subretinal fluid (SRF), followed by endolaser photocoagulation via a nonvitrectomy approach, and intravitreal ranibizumab injection. Final disease status, anatomic success, and final visual acuity were the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

The treated eyes initially received one session of external drainage of SRF, followed by an average of 1.4 sessions (range, 1 to 3 sessions) of endolaser photocoagulation and intravitreal ranibizumab injection. With a median follow-up period of 40 months (range, 21-81 months), all eyes demonstrated no disease progression, including 6 eyes that required vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade due to increasing ERD after initial treatment. No enucleation was required. At the final follow-up, anatomic success with retinal reattachment and no active disease was achieved in 24 of 29 eyes (82.8%). Fibrosis was observed in 22 eyes (75.9%) with a mean onset time of 9 months (range, 5-16 months); of these, 3 and 9 eyes developed tractional retinal detachment and epiretinal membrane, respectively. In 62.1% of the eyes, the final visual acuity was only light perception or no light perception.

CONCLUSION

The combined treatment modality presented in this study is an effective way in the management of stage 3B Coats disease with total ERD.

SWEPT-SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY ASSESSMENT OF FELLOW EYES IN COATS DISEASE

PURPOSE

To assess foveal and parafoveal vasculature at superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus, and choriocapillaris using optical coherence tomography angiography in the fellow eyes of patients with Coats disease.

METHODS

Observational and prospective case series. Thirteen patients with unilateral Coats and 14 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were consecutively recruited at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and the Department of Ophthalmology of San Raffaele Hospital. Both groups underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, including optical coherence tomography angiography (Topcon Corp) 3 mm × 3 mm scans. Images were imported into ImageJ software and binarized; foveal avascular zone area was manually outlined and vessel density analyzed in inner (foveal) and outer (parafoveal) areas of SCP, deep capillary plexus, and choriocapillaris.

RESULTS

Fellow eyes disclosed a significant increase in the foveal vessel density of SCP (P = 0.04); in particular, superior and temporal quadrants showed more marked alterations (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Analysis of foveal avascular zone area revealed a significant enlargement in the SCP (P = 0.04). No correlation was found between fellow eyes and the stage of affected eyes.

CONCLUSION

Fellow eyes of Coats patients carry quantitative foveal vascular alterations at SCP. These may represent markers of altered inner blood-retinal barrier, due to a bilateral defect in midcapillary angiogenesis.

Optical coherence tomography in pediatric patients: a clinical review

Optical coherence tomography has improved the ophthalmic clinical examination due to its ability to more accurately characterize pathology of the eye. Optical coherence tomography is now an integral imaging modality for many adult diseases of the retina and is a ubiquitous part of a retinal practice. However, although its use in adults is well recognized, the adoption of optical coherence tomography in pediatric patients may be undervalued as macular diseases in children are relatively uncommon. Recent technological advancements have made optical coherence tomography scans quicker and more precise, generating normative data and leading to more widespread use in children. In this review article, we discuss how pediatric optical coherence tomography data can be used to understand normal development, as well as diagnose and monitor retinal disease. In particular, we highlight clinical optical coherence tomography findings of several pediatric retinal conditions, including retinopathy of prematurity, congenital infections, retinal dystrophies, and phakomatoses such as neurofibromatosis.

Retinal vasodilatation in the affected eye but reduced pressure autoregulation of both eyes in unilateral Coats' disease

BACKGROUND

Coats' disease is characterized by vascular hyperpermeability, oedema and accumulation of exudates related to impairment of retinal vascular function. The background for the development of the disease is unknown, but it is likely that the study of diameter changes of retinal vessels may contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of the disease.

METHODS

In seven patients with unilateral Coats' disease (mean age = 34.7 years, range: 11-69 years), the baseline diameter and reactivity of retinal vessels during an increase in the arterial blood pressure by isometric exercise and in the metabolism by flicker stimulation were measured on video recordings of the retina obtained with the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer.

RESULTS

The baseline diameter of retinal vessels was larger in the affected than in the unaffected eyes which was significant for the arterioles (p = 0.02), but not for the venules (p = 0.15). During an increase in the arterial blood pressure induced by isometric exercise, the normal contraction of arterioles was absent in both eyes (p > 0.7), whereas there was a significant dilatation of the venules in the unaffected eyes (p = 0.04). Stimulation with flickering light induced normal dilatation of retinal vessels in both affected and unaffected eyes.

CONCLUSION

Unilateral Coats' disease is accompanied by vasodilatation in the affected eye but impaired pressure autoregulation in both eyes. A further investigation of the disease should include an elucidation of the background for dilatation of retinal vessels in affected eyes and whether impaired pressure autoregulation can be found in vessels elsewhere in the body.

Novel transscleral sutureless subretinal fluid drainage using a 25-gauge trocar-cannula with a self-closing valve in patients with advanced Coats disease

AIM

To assess surgical outcomes of a novel method of transscleral drainage of subretinal fluid using a 25-gauge trocar-cannula with a self-closing valve (DTV) in patients with severe exudative retinal detachment (ERD) in Coats disease.

METHODS

Retrospective consecutive cases of 20 patients (20 eyes) of severe ERD due to Coats disease (stage 3B) in total 156 Coats patients between June 2015 and April 2019 were included in this study. The participants were aged 1 to 10y with a mean age of 3.50±1.79y. The mean follow-up time were 11.9mo. Subretinal fluid was drained transsclerally using a novel method of DTV. The height of the retinal detachment and the regression of abnormal vessels including telangiectasias and aneurysms were observed. Complications including vitreoretinal fibrosis, tractional retinal detachments (TRD), endophthalmitis, retinal holes, and hemorrhages were evaluated.

RESULTS

Following surgeries, the patients showed the replacement of ERD and regression of telangiectatic retinal vessels observed with binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Six patients received retinal cryotherapies and 12 patients received laser photocoagulations following first external subretinal fluid drainage using DTV. All patients underwent intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies to induce residual subretinal fluid absorption. During follow-ups, 8 patients underwent a second drainage operation, 17 patients received retinal laser photocoagulations and 7 patients received cryotherapies. Vitreoretinal fibrosis was found in 7 patients and 6 patients underwent micro-invasive vitrectomies during the follow-up period. Severe TRD, iatrogenic retinal holes, and hemorrhages were not found.

CONCLUSION

The authors present a new therapeutic approach that successfully drains subretinal fluid in advanced stage 3B Coats disease with severe ERD. This is a simple, safe and less invasive approach when compared with traditional managements. However, it should be strictly selected for patients with high bullous ERD close to the central axis of the eye in order to avoid the complication of retinal holes.

Vitrectomy for a secondary epiretinal membrane following treatment of adult-onset Coats' disease

Purpose

To report a case of adult-onset Coats’ disease that had worsening of macular edema and progressive macular traction following cryotherapy and repeated intravitreal bevacizumab injections due to formation of a secondary epiretinal membrane which only improved following pars plana vitrectomy and membrane peeling.

Observations

A 35-year-old male presented with diminution of vision in his left eye and was found to have localized telangiectatic retinal vessels and aneurysmal dilatations with massive exudation and cystoid macular edema. He was diagnosed as adult-onset Coats’ disease and treated with cryotherapy and a concomitant intravitreal injection of 2.5 mg bevacizumab followed by 3 monthly intravitreal injections of 2.5 mg bevacizumab and a single injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Partial obliteration of the telangiectatic vessels and aneurysmal dilatations with improvement in surrounding lipid and fluid exudate was achieved, however, this was associated with progressive worsening of macular edema and macular traction due to formation of an epiretinal membrane which only improved following vitrectomy and membrane peeling. Effect of therapy at each stage was evaluated using visual acuity testing, fundus examination, fundus fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography.

Conclusion and Importance

A secondary epiretinal membrane can develop following treatment of adult-onset Coats’ disease and cause traction especially when combining cryotherapy with bevacizumab injections. Vitrectomy in such cases with membrane peeling may result in improvement of anatomical and functional outcomes.

Adult Coats' Disease, Dubin-Johnson Syndrome, and the Search for Targeted Therapies

Coats' disease is nonhereditary retinal vascular disorder characterized by telangiectatic retinal vessels with prominent aneurysmal changes and exudation. A conclusive etiology has not yet been determined. In this retrospective case report and literature review, a 64-year-old male with Dubin-Johnson syndrome presented with unilateral retinal vascular changes and exudation consistent with a diagnosis of adult Coats' disease. The authors conclude that patients with Dubin-Johnson syndrome carry mutations in a multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP). MRPs are also expressed in the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and vascular endothelium, where they export toxins and metabolites, and may serve as a therapeutic target. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:318-321.].

Treatment of Coats' disease: an analysis of pooled results

AIM

To elucidate the association of treatment modality to vitreoretinal fibrosis and traction retinal detachment (TRD) in Coats' disease.

METHODS

A PubMed search for Coats' disease with included studies describing eyes with clinical features and treatment course of Coats' disease. Binary logistic regression with fibrosis at presentation and treatment type as independent variables was performed to determine predictors of TRD historically (since 1921) and in the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) era (since 2007). Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) reported.

RESULTS

Of 175 articles described 1183 eyes. Vitreoretinal fibrosis increased from presentation (5.4%) to follow-up (15.5%) and TRD increased from 0.44% to 3.9% at follow up. Laser was protective against vitreoretinal fibrosis (OR 0.6, 95%CI 0.4-0.9) but TRD was borderline (OR 0.6, 95%CI 0.3-1.1). Cryotherapy showed a higher association with TRD (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.0-3.7) than with vitreoretinal fibrosis (OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.5-1.2). Similarly, intravitreal anti-VEGF alone was not associated with fibrosis (OR 1.1, 95%CI 0.6-1.8) nor TRD (OR 1.1, 95%CI 0.5-2.6) but the combination of laser and anti-VEGF therapy was protective [Fibrosis: 0.1 (0.03, 0.35); TRD: 0.05 (0.01, 0.23)] compared to anti-VEGF plus cryotherapy (P<0.001). Disease stage ≤2B or ≥3A was not associated with TRD.

CONCLUSION

Vitreoretinal fibrosis and TRD increase after treatment in Coats' disease. The combination of anti-VEGF agents and cryotherapy may lead to higher risk for TRD. Presence of pre-treatment fibrosis is the highest risk factor for post-treatment worsening of vitreoretinal fibrosis and TRD.

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Coats' disease

PURPOSE

To review and summarize the recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of Coats' disease.

METHODS

Literature was collected from Web of Science, Medline and Pubmed, through searching of these keywords: "Coats' disease", "diagnosis" and "treatment".

RESULTS

Coats' disease is characterized by idiopathic leaky retinal vascular telangiectasia and microvascular abnormalities often accompanied by intraretinal or subretinal exudation and retinal detachment. Neovascular glaucoma and phthisis bulbi often occur in advanced cases. Coats' disease has significant diversity in terms of its clinical presentation and morphology. Anti-VEGF therapy combined with laser photocoagulation for early Coats' disease and anti-VEGF therapy combined with minimally invasive vitrectomy for advanced Coats' disease can achieve good efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and timely treatment based on clinical stage are critical to retaining the patient's visual function. Patients should be aware that close long-term follow-up is necessary.

LONG-TERM ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES FOLLOWING VITRECTOMY FOR ADVANCED COATS DISEASE

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term anatomical and functional results of vitreoretinal surgery in patients with advanced Coats disease.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 23 patients who underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy combined with transscleral cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, and intraocular tamponade between 2005 and 2014 and had a follow-up of at least 1 year. The primary outcomes were mean visual acuity and anatomical success.

RESULTS

The average age at the time of surgery was 8.7 ± 1.3 years (range, 2-18 years). The mean follow-up period was 55.2 ± 31 months (range, 12-120 months). In 16 eyes (70%), further treatment was not necessary. In the remaining 7 patients (30%), revision surgery with silicone oil tamponade was required. In 20 eyes (87%), the retina was reattached. At the final visit, 8 eyes (35%) had improved mean Snellen visual acuity from 20/1,000 at initial presentation to 20/160, 3 eyes (13%) showed stabilization, and 6 eyes (26%) had decline in visual acuity. No enucleation was necessary, and no progression to neovascular glaucoma was observed.

CONCLUSION

Pars plana vitrectomy combined with cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, and intraocular tamponade could be an effective treatment option for advanced Coats disease. Despite surgery, disease-related complications remained high, but the main aim of management in these young patients is functional and anatomical stability.

BILATERAL COATS REACTION IN BANNAYAN-ZONANA SYNDROME: A SINGLE CASE REPORT

PURPOSE

To report the clinical features of bilateral Coats reaction in a patient with Bannayan-Zonana syndrome.

METHODS

The clinical course and retinal manifestations of a 21-year-old patient with Bannayan-Zonana syndrome and bilateral Coats reaction were studied. Retinal manifestations were documented with clinical examination, ultrawide-field color imaging, and ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography.

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuities were 20/25 OD and 20/25 OS. Anterior segment examinations were normal bilaterally. The inferotemporal quadrant of the left retina demonstrated retinal telangiectasias, exudation, and a neurosensory retinal detachment extending to the mid-periphery. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated bilateral peripheral nonperfusion and vascular staining. An epiretinal membrane also involved the left macula.

CONCLUSION

Bannayan-Zonana syndrome is an autosomal-dominant, hamartomatous disease characterized by a mutation spectrum that involves genes responsible for vascular development. Retinal vascular abnormalities and exudation can be a manifestation of this syndrome.

Refining Coats' disease by ultra-widefield imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography

PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to describe ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) findings in affected and fellow eyes of patients with Coats' disease.

METHODS

Consecutive patients affected by Coats' disease were prospectively recruited at the Department of Ophthalmology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy in this cross-sectional, observational study. Patients underwent UWF color fundus photographs, UWF green autofluorescence, UWF fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), with 3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm OCT-A scans of the macula. Images were qualitatively evaluated by two independent operators for the presence of pathology.

RESULTS

Eleven patients affected by Coats' disease (eight males, mean age 17.1 ± 6.7 years). Nine and two patients had a clinical diagnosis of unilateral and bilateral disease, respectively. Five eyes had macular fibrosis. All clinically affected eyes exhibited retinal pathology at UWF imaging with the temporal sector most involved followed by the inferior, nasal, superior and macula. In all eyes with macular fibrosis, OCT-A revealed replacement of the foveal avascular zone with coarse vessels suggestive of vascularized fibrosis and flow void area in the choriocapillaris due to a masking effect; type 3 neovascularization was seen in 75% of cases. Seven out of nine clinically unaffected fellow eyes showed retinal pathology at UWF FA with the temporal quadrant most involved.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that Coats' disease is a highly asymmetric bilateral disease and that UWF imaging is able to identify more retinal pathology than standard fundus imaging, thus guiding proper retinal photocoagulation. OCT-A allowed easy identification of type 3 neovascularization in a proportion of patients with macular fibrosis.

577-NM YELLOW LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION FOR COATS DISEASE

PURPOSE

To describe the outcomes of children with Coats disease treated with 577-nm yellow laser indirect ophthalmoscopy.

METHODS

A retrospective consecutive case series of pediatric patients with Coats disease treated at a single institution between 2011 and 2014. Laser indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed under anesthesia. Full treatment was defined as complete ablation of all visible telangiectasias and resolution of subretinal fluid. No patients were treated with cryotherapy or bevacizumab.

RESULTS

Seventeen eyes of 16 patients were consecutively treated. At the time of diagnosis, the eye was classified as Stage 1 (telangiectasias only) in 1 case, Stage 2A (extra-foveal exudation) in 2 cases, Stage 2B (fovea-involving exudation) in 6 cases, Stage 3A1 (extra-foveal exudative retinal detachment) in 2 cases, Stage 3A2 (subtotal foveal-involving detachment) in 1 case, and Stage 3B (total exudative retinal detachment) in 5 cases. The mean age at initial treatment was 71.2 months. Mean length of follow-up was 20.8 months (median 18.5 months, range 3.7-37.3 months). Patients underwent an average of 2.5 laser treatments. Sixteen of 17 eyes achieved full treatment (94.1%) with a mean time-to-full-treatment of 11.2 months. One eye developed glaucoma and end-stage disease.

CONCLUSION

577-nm yellow wavelength laser indirect ophthalmoscopy is an effective treatment for Coats disease including cases of exudative retinal detachment.

Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Monitoring Coats' Disease

. OCTA and OCT, in combination with FA, are useful in Coats' disease diagnostics and treatment monitoring. As noninvasive methods, OCT and OCTA may be performed more often than FA, which enable precise monitoring of the disease and making decisions as to its further treatment.

Coats' disease with macular oedema responsive to aflibercept and argon laser

CLINICAL CASE

A 14 year-old boy with Coats' disease in his right eye, presented with a visual acuity (VA) of 0.1, micro-aneurysms, exudates, a macular oedema of 959 microns, and peripheral telangiectasias. After 12 months follow-up with 6 ranibizumab injections and 3 sessions of argon laser photocoagulation, the macular oedema remained and VA was 0.2. Following 4 aflibercept injections and another 2 laser sessions, he had a good foveal slope and a VA of 0.5, with no recurrences in the last 12 months.

DISCUSSION

Treatment with aflibercept and argon laser was effective in our patient with stage 2B Coats' disease and macular oedema unresponsive to ranibizumab.

Evaluation of Follow-Up and Treatment Results in Coats' Disease

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features, follow-up and treatment results of patients diagnosed with Coats' disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of 27 patients diagnosed with Coats' disease in our clinic were reviewed retrospectively. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological examination and fundus photography was taken. Disease stage and treatment methods used were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 9.03 years; 21 patients were male and 6 were female. Three patients were older than 18 years old. Based on the Shields classification, 1 (3.7%) eye was stage 2A, 4 (14.8%) eyes were stage 2B, 6 (22.2%) were stage 3A1, 3 (11.1%) were stage 3A2, 1 (3.7%) was stage 3B, 4 (14.8%) were stage 4 and 8 (29.6%) were stage 5. Fourteen patients underwent treatment, 12 of whom had combined therapy. The most common treatment modalities were laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy. Encircling band was done in one patient and pars plana vitrectomy in 3 patients. Enucleation was done in 5 patients.

CONCLUSION

Coats' disease is a chronic disease and main goal of treatment is to eliminate the vascular anomalies and their complications using repetitive combination therapies. Treatment in the early stages can lead to functional success, and in advanced stages can result in a salvageable eye.

Ultra-wide field imaging in the diagnosis and management of adult-onset Coats' disease

BACKGROUND

The conventional fundus imaging covers up to 60 degrees of retina only. Although various montaging techniques can significantly increase the area that can be imaged, it is still difficult to image and document the peripheral retina. The purpose of this study is to describe the use of ultra-wide field imaging in the diagnosis and management of adult-onset Coats' disease.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of three patients diagnosed with adult-onset Coats' disease that were treated at the retina clinic of our institute. The case records, conventional and ultra-wide field fluorescein angiograms and optical coherence tomography scans were reviewed.

RESULTS

The ultra-wide field pseudo-colour photographs and fluorescein angiograms were able to provide clinically useful information over and above that provided by conventional imaging. In all three patients, ultra-wide field angiography showed the temporal avascular periphery. In addition, it revealed retinal neovascularisation, peripheral vascular leakage and documented peripheral telangiectasia in selected patients.

CONCLUSION

Ultra-wide field imaging provides information that can help in the diagnosis and management of adult-onset Coat's disease. This may lead to better visual outcomes in Coats' disease.