Unique Findings of Sickle Cell Retinopathy in a Patient with Hemoglobin SE Disease

TL;DR

A 19-year-old with hemoglobin SE disease showed early signs of sickle cell retinopathy, highlighting the need for regular eye exams in such patients.

Contribution

This paper documents the second case of spontaneous retinopathy in hemoglobin SE disease, emphasizing its clinical significance.

Findings

Spontaneous retinopathy can occur in hemoglobin SE disease without other significant medical history.

Fundoscopy revealed multiple sunburst lesions and abnormal vasculature in a young patient.

Early screening is recommended to prevent complications in hemoglobin SE disease patients.

Abstract

To report the second documented case of spontaneous sickle cell retinopathy due to hemoglobin SE disease, and the third in association with this condition overall.

An asymptomatic 19-year-old African American woman with hemoglobin SE disease and no other significant past medical history presented for a routine eye exam. Fundoscopy revealed two sunburst lesions in the temporal periphery of her right eye and one such lesion in the temporal periphery of her left eye. No definitive signs of neovascularization were detected on fluorescein angiography, although multiple areas of abnormal vasculature and distal non-perfusion were observed.

Spontaneous peripheral retinopathy can develop at an early age in hemoglobin SE disease. Given the risk for complications, pediatric screening with regular fundoscopic examination may benefit such patients.

Figures