Triple Trouble with Triple Solutions: A Unique Case Report of a Severe Exudative Retinal Detachment Accompanied by Retinal Traction and Two Retinal Holes in Coats Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Coats disease is a rare vasculature pathology that usually presents as retinal telangiectasia with possible progression to exudative retinal detachment (RD). Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, and surgery are commonly used to control the disease and prevent its progression. Although iatrogenic tractional RDs secondary to anti-VEGF injections have been reported in patients with Coats disease, RDs in Coats disease are exudative, secondary to retinal exudation and vascular abnormalities. In this article, we present the first reported case of a severe exudative RD accompanied by retinal traction and two retinal holes in a patient with Coats disease. Case Presentation: A 32-year-old male initially presented with Coats disease stage 2A, which then progressed to 3A1 within a month of close follow-ups, finally leading to exudative RD. Following cryotherapy and bevacizumab injections, the exudative RD progressed, with the emergence of retinal traction and two retinal holes. This complex case was successfully treated with a scleral buckle vitrectomy accompanied by radial elements to support the RD, pars plana vitrectomy, silicon oil tamponade, and post-surgical bevacizumab injections. Six months following the surgical intervention, the patient’s vision is restored at 20/30, and retinal imaging shows a totally flattened retina. Conclusion: We present the first reported case of a severe exudative RD accompanied by retinal traction and two retinal holes in a patient with Coats disease. The combination of surgical treatment and bevacizumab injections is thought to have collectively contributed to our patient’s favorable outcome.

Keywords

• retinal detachment
• scleral buckle
• coats disease