# Proliferative retinopathy in nail-patella syndrome

**Authors:** Liangbo Linus Shen, Amelia Bhisitkul, Gregory M. Lewis, Sidhiporn Borirakchanyavat, Robert B. Bhisitkul

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2025.102320 · American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports · 2025-04-08

## TL;DR

A patient with Nail-Patella Syndrome developed retinal issues, suggesting that eye exams are important for people with this condition.

## Contribution

This case is the first to document proliferative retinopathy and cystoid macular edema in a patient with Nail-Patella Syndrome.

## Key findings

- A 45-year-old male with NPS presented with bilateral proliferative retinopathy and cystoid macular edema.
- Treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab and aflibercept partially improved retinal pathology.
- Systemic work-up ruled out common causes of proliferative retinopathy, suggesting a possible link to NPS.

## Abstract

Nail-Patella Syndrome (NPS) is a rare autosomal dominant disease. Associated ocular abnormalities in NPS are well established, involving the anterior segment and predisposition to open-angle glaucoma. We report a patient with NPS who presented with bilateral proliferative retinopathy and cystoid macular edema (CME).

A 45-year-old male with genetically confirmed NPS presented with typical systemic features of NPS, including dystrophic nails, hypoplastic patellae, and limited elbow extension. He had vision loss associated with optic disc neovascularization (NVD), vitreous hemorrhage, and CME in both eyes. Systemic work-up ruled out common causes of proliferative retinopathy. Treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab and subsequent aflibercept injections partially improved the retinal pathology.

This case documents retinal abnormalities, specifically proliferative retinopathy and CME, in a patient with NPS. These findings suggest that retinal pathology might be an aspect of NPS, highlighting the importance of fundus exams and retinal imaging for patients with NPS who present with visual symptoms.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Nail-Patella Syndrome (MONDO:0008061), cystoid macular edema (MONDO:0007935), open-angle glaucoma (MONDO:0005338)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** dystrophic nails (MESH:C536378), retinal abnormalities (MESH:D012164), hypoplastic patellae (MESH:D000092462), ocular abnormalities (MESH:D005124), vision loss (MESH:D014786), optic disc neovascularization (MESH:D015861), CME (MESH:D008269), NPS (MESH:D009261), vitreous hemorrhage (MESH:D014823), Proliferative retinopathy (OMIM:603933), open-angle glaucoma (MESH:D005902), autosomal dominant disease (MESH:D030342)
- **Chemicals:** bevacizumab (MESH:D000068258)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12017845/full.md

## References

11 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12017845/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12017845