Mixed connective tissue disease complicated by retinal microvasculopathy and its relationship with fragile-X syndrome

David Woo, Kenneth Ooi, Jennifer Sandbach, Fredrick Joshua

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Abstract

Purpose: To report an unusual case of retinal microvasculopathy secondary to mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) on a background history of fragile-X syndrome (FXS). Methods: Case report and literature review. Results: A cotton wool spot was discovered in a 29-year-old female who presented with an ischaemic digit secondary to Raynaud’s phenomenon. She also has a background history of MCTD and FXS. Fundus examination and automated perimetry findings were normal. Magnet resonance imaging and computed tomography aortogram did not demonstrate any evidence of vasculitis in the head and neck. She was tested positively for U1-ribonuclear peptide. Interestingly, the re-distribution of Fragile-X related gene 1 has been suggested to trigger autoimmune responses in experiments. This finding makes the case peculiar as it suggests an alternate explanation for this patient's clinical findings. Conclusion: Retinal vasculopathy is a rare complication of MCTD. The background history of FXS potentially highlights an alternate autoimmune pathogenetic mechanism.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)70-72
Number of pages3
JournalOpen journal of ophthalmology
Volume3
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2013. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • retinal microvasculopathy
  • mixed connective tissue disease
  • fragile-X-syndrome

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