Redefining papillorenal syndrome: an underdiagnosed cause of ocular and renal morbidity.

PubMed ID: 11297491

Author(s): Parsa CF, Silva ED, Sundin OH, Goldberg MF, De Jong MR, Sunness JS, Zeimer R, Hunter DG. Redefining papillorenal syndrome: an underdiagnosed cause of ocular and renal morbidity. Ophthalmology. 2001 Apr;108(4):738-49. PMID 11297491

Journal: Ophthalmology, Volume 108, Issue 4, Apr 2001

PURPOSE To report ocular and renal findings specific to the inheritable entity called papillorenal (also known as renal-coloboma) syndrome and relate these to a common cause.

DESIGN Observational case series and genetic study.

PARTICIPANTS Two unrelated probands presenting with absent central retinal vessels and 11 available family members.

TESTING Doppler ultrasonographic imaging of the optic nerves and kidneys, fluorescein angiography, and genetic testing for PAX2 mutations were performed. In selected cases, indocyanine green angiography, scanning laser ophthalmoscope perimetry, Retinal Thickness Analyzer measurements, visual evoked potentials, and magnetic resonance imaging were also performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Better defined characteristics of the papillorenal syndrome.

RESULTS Numerous cilioretinal vessels were present with rudimentary or absent central retinal vessels. Superonasal visual field defects, typical for papillorenal syndrome, corresponded to inferotemporal areas of anomalous retinal and choroidal perfusion and hypoplastic retina. Renal hypoplasia was discovered in two affected members of one family (with previously unsuspected renal failure in one case), and recurrent pyelonephritis was discovered in four affected members of the other family. No PAX2 mutations were detected.

CONCLUSIONS In the papillorenal syndrome, the hereditary absence of central retinal vessels may be missed, leading to confusion with isolated coloboma, low-tension glaucoma, and morning glory anomaly. Greater awareness of this syndrome will avoid unneeded glaucoma therapy, allow earlier recognition of renal diseases, and allow genetic counseling. We propose that the papillorenal syndrome is a primary dysgenesis that causes vascular abnormalities predominantly affecting the eye, kidney, and urinary tract, leading to hypoplasia of these structures. The absence of defects in the PAX2 gene in these families suggests that mutations in other genes may also be responsible for this syndrome.