Spontaneous development of macular ischemia in a case of racemose hemangioma

Abstract

PurposeTo report a rare case of racemose hemangioma which developed spontaneous macular ischemia.MethodsA 32-year-old healthy Caucasian lady presented complaining of recent deterioration of vision in her left eye. At presentation, her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in her right eye and counting fingers in her left eye (LE). Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography were performed. The patient had regular follow-up appointments over a period of 8 years.ResultsFundus examination and fluorescein angiography revealed findings consistent with arteriovenous communications of the retina or racemose hemangioma, in the posterior pole of the LE with the presence of macular ischemia. Complete and systemic examination was unremarkable, excluding the possibility of Wyburn-Mason syndrome. Eight years after presentation, findings and BCVA in the LE have remained stable, with no extension of the retinal ischemia or development of neovascularization.ConclusionAlthough extensive retinal ischemia has been reported to result in complications such as retinal or iris neovascularization, in our case the macular ischemia has not expanded further over a period of 8 years. However, due to this macular ischemia the patient unfortunately lost her central vision.