Congenital rubella retinopathy--a progressive disease

Congenital rubella retinopathy is characterized by disseminated dusty or mottled pigmentation with greatest density in the macula. Visual fields, dark adaptation, the electroretinogram and the electrooculogram are normal or close to normal. The intensity of the pigmentation increases over a number of years; as a rare complication it can lead to subretinal neovascularization. This complication is due to atrophy and necrosis of the pigment epithelium, both being induced by the rubella virus. After scarred healing the subretinal neovascularization leads to disciform maculopathy. This rare complication of rubella retinopathy is illustrated by two case reports of girls aged 14 and 16 years.