Retinal Complications in a Patient With Pediatric Thalassemia: A Case Report

TL;DR

A child with beta-thalassemia major developed retinal complications, emphasizing the need for early eye exams to prevent vision loss.

Contribution

This case report highlights retinal complications in pediatric thalassemia and underscores the importance of early ophthalmologic screening.

Findings

A 10-year-old with beta-thalassemia major showed macular hemorrhage and vascular tortuosity.

Retinal hypoperfusion was observed without neovascularization.

Chronic anemia and iron overload from transfusions were linked to retinal abnormalities.

Abstract

The authors report a case of retinal involvement in a pediatric patient with beta-thalassemia major, highlighting the importance of an early ophthalmologic assessment.

A 10-year-old male with a known diagnosis of beta-thalassemia major presented with complaints of decreased visual acuity. A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including fundus evaluation and fluorescein angiography, was performed. The fundoscopic examination revealed a macular hemorrhage and marked vascular tortuosity. Imaging supported the presence of retinal hypoperfusion without signs of neovascularization. The retinal findings were attributed to chronic anemia and iron overload related to repeated blood transfusions.

Retinal abnormalities can occur in patients with beta-thalassemia major due to systemic factors such as anemia and iron toxicity. Early detection through routine ophthalmologic screening is essential to prevent potentially irreversible visual impairment in this patient population.

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