Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To document the recurrent nature of Coats’ Disease. Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review approved by our Institutional Review Board. Thirteen patients (13 eyes) were diagnosed with Coats’ Disease starting in 1966. Age, visual acuity, time of onset, method of treatment, and the number and intervals of recurrences were documented. Recurrences were recorded once initial treatment proved successful and all exudates had absorbed. The length of followup for each patient along with the most recent visual acuity was recorded. Results: The average followup period for the 13 patients was 12.4 years with a range of from four to 37.5 years. Eleven patients (85%) were male, 2 (15%) were female and all had unilateral involvement. The average age at diagnosis was 7 years with a range of from 9 months to 27 years of age. Four patients (33%) had recurrences, and three of the four had multiple recurrences. The average elapsed time from absorption of all exudates to the first recurrence was 4.3 years with a range of from 3.3 to 5.4 years. The average number of recurrences was just over three. Conclusions: Some patients with Coats’ Disease will have recurrences so it is important that parents educate any affected children regarding the necessity of followup including through their adult years.
Keywords: retinal degenerations: hereditary