Retinal abnormalities in a patient with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 May 8;17(5):e257810. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257810.

Abstract

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita is a rare congenital vascular malformation characterised by cutaneous vascular abnormalities, typically diagnosed at birth or in the early postnatal period. Although typically benign, this disease is associated with other systemic abnormalities, including rare ocular alterations, such as congenital glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy.This manuscript describes a female infant, who presented with generalised livedo reticularis, a band of alopecia and cutaneous atrophy in the temporal region above the coronal suture. The patient was diagnosed with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita by a paediatrician, and an ophthalmological evaluation was requested. A funduscopy examination in both eyes showed temporal and superior retina with avascular areas with new vessels, venous dilations and shunts, and no retinal detachments. Given these findings, we performed retinal photocoagulation laser treatment with excellent results.This case report highlights the importance of early ophthalmological evaluation of children with this disease to prevent secondary complications, such as vitreous haemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment.

Keywords: Congenital disorders; Neonatal health; Ophthalmology; Paediatrics; Retina.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Laser Coagulation / methods
  • Livedo Reticularis*
  • Retina / abnormalities
  • Retina / diagnostic imaging
  • Retinal Vessels / abnormalities
  • Retinal Vessels / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular* / complications
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular* / diagnosis
  • Telangiectasis* / complications
  • Telangiectasis* / congenital
  • Telangiectasis* / diagnosis

Supplementary concepts

  • Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita