Pearls and pitfalls in diagnosis and management of coats disease

Retina. 2015 Apr;35(4):614-23. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000000485.

Abstract

Purpose: To review current literature on Coats disease and provide a structured framework for differentiating challenging clinical features in Coats disease patients.

Methods: We critically reappraise historical and current literature and present clinical methods for developing a thorough differential diagnosis and management strategy for Coats disease.

Results: Coats disease is a sporadic, usually unilateral condition typically occurring in young males. When untreated, this disorder can lead to total exudative retinal detachment and secondary glaucoma.

Conclusions: Anti-VEGF agents are currently a treatment option in combination with ablative therapy of telangiectatic vessels. Anti-VEGF agents appear particularly useful for patients with extensive areas of exudative retinal detachment, and are an effective treatment option for total retinal detachment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Glaucoma / etiology
  • Humans
  • Laser Coagulation
  • Male
  • Retinal Detachment / etiology
  • Retinal Telangiectasis / complications
  • Retinal Telangiectasis / diagnosis*
  • Retinal Telangiectasis / therapy*
  • Sex Factors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A