A Case of Angioid Streaks in Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anaemia Type II

The authors describe a case report of retinal angioid streaks (AS) in a patient with congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia (CDA) type II and compare the retinal findings to those of an affected first-degree relative without ocular manifestations of the disease. A 52-year-old man with a confirmed diagnosis of CDA type II has been dependent on treatment with regular transfusions and chelating agents. He presents with bilateral retinal AS. The subject’s brother, who also has CDA type II, underwent splenectomy in childhood, and has required no treatment since then. He has no ocular manifestations of the disease. To the authors’ knowledge, this is only the second time that the presence of retinal AS has been reported in a case of CDA type II. It has been reported more frequently with CDA types I and III. The milder course of disease in the subject’s brother likely accounts for the differing retinal findings. The authors explore the pathophysiology of AS in this disease, and the differential diagnosis of chelating agent toxicity. Diagnostic uncertainty around retinal findings can lead to withholding of essential systemic treatment and inappropriate ophthalmological follow-up. It is recommended that all patients with CDA undergo eye examinations.