PERIPHERAL RETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION (EALES-DISEASE) ASSOCIATED WITHTHE FACTOR-V-LEIDEN MUTATION

PURPOSE: To illustrate a case of peripheral retinal neovascularization (Eales disease) in a patient: who tested positive for the factor V Le iden mutation. METHODS: A 42-year-old woman had a 1-week history of bl urred vision in her right eye. Her medical history was remarkable for a cerebrovascular accident. Ophthalmoscopy of the right eye disclosed a mild vitreous hemorrhage and a ridge of retinal neovascularization i n the temporal periphery. The left fundus showed evidence of temporal retinal ischemia. A laboratory evaluation for hypercoagulability was p ositive for factor V Leiden mutation. RESULTS: Peripheral scatter lase r photocoagulation was applied to the ischemic retina, and the neovasc ularization regressed, The patient began taking warfarin sodium to pre vent further thrombotic events. CONCLUSION: A laboratory evaluation fo r coagulopathy, including the factor V Leiden mutation, should be adde d to the examination of patients with Eales disease, especially indivi duals with a history of a previous thrombotic event. (C) 1998 by Elsev ier Science Inc. All rights reserved.