Peripheral retinal neovascularization in talc retinopathy.
BACKGROUND
Neovascularization of the peripheral retina can be present in a number of systemic and ocular diseases. Very rarely, peripheral retinal neovascularization can also be manifested in intravenous drug abusers. In addition to ocular complications, intravenous drug abusers are at high risk for contracting various infections and the development of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. We present a case of a chronic heroin and cocaine abuser with bilateral peripheral retinal neovascularization, pulmonary complications, and a history of endocarditis.


METHODS
A patient with a 20-year history of heroin and cocaine abuse initially presented for a routine eye examination. Fundus examination revealed pinpoint white deposits centered in both maculas, engorged vascular fronds with a patch of intraretinal hemorrhage in the peripheral retinal of the right eye and neovascularization of the disc as well as exudation with adjacent focal preretinal hemorrhage in the left eye. The patient underwent fluorescein angiography and was screened for diabetes, sarcoidosis, and sickle cell disease. When no systemic disease could be discovered, it was concluded that the peripheral retinal neovascularization developed as a result of vascular occlusion from heroin and cocaine abuse.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to investigate the cause of neovascularization in the peripheral retina. Retinal vascular emboli such as talc are common in drug abusers, but in most cases, the retinal deposits pose only a minimal threat to vision. However, this case shows that careful retinal examination is warranted in drug abusers to rule out neovascularization of the retina. Other causes of peripheral retinal neovascularization should be ruled out as well. These conditions include sickle cell retinopathy, sarcoidosis, diabetic retinopathy, blood dyscrasias, retinal vascular occlusion, Eales' disease, and other systemic conditions, so that appropriate ocular and systemic treatment can be provided. Peripheral retinal neovascularization is best treated by pan-retinal photocoagulation.
West Los Angeles VA Health Care Center, Southern California College of Optometry, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA.
Kevin H
KH
Tran
Pauline F
PF
Ilsen
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015356:Retinal Artery Occlusion / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D013627:Talc / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013627:Talc