Evidence of retinal degeneration in Wolfram syndrome

Ophthalmic Genet. 2019 Feb;40(1):34-38. doi: 10.1080/13816810.2018.1551494. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Abstract

Purpose: Wolfram syndrome is characterized by early onset diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, deafness, and optic atrophy, but retinal degeneration has not been described as a major component of the phenotype. We present two cases with Wolfram syndrome and evidence of retinal degeneration.

Materials and methods: Observational case series. Patients underwent complete ocular examinations as well as retinal imaging and electroretinography.

Results: Both patients had electroretinographic evidence of retinal dysfunction/degeneration in addition to optic atrophy with an otherwise normal-appearing retina.

Conclusions: Some patients with Wolfram syndrome have a mild retinal degeneration that may be a manifestation of the neuronal involvement that is present in this condition.

Keywords: Wolfram syndrome; diabetes insipidus; diabetes mellitus; electroretinography; optic atrophy; retinal degeneration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electroretinography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Retinal Degeneration / etiology*
  • Retinal Degeneration / pathology*
  • Wolfram Syndrome / complications*
  • Young Adult