AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT MÜLLER CELL SHEEN DYSTROPHY

Clinical, Histopathologic, and Genetic Assessment in an Extended Family With Long Follow-Up

Abstract

Background: 

Autosomal dominant Müller cell dystrophy is a rare condition we described in 1991. It is characterized by a striking sheen appearance on the retinal surface with progressive retinal changes leading to disorganization and atrophy with a decreased b-wave electroretinograms.

Materials and Methods: 

We examined 45 members of a 4-generation family. Fifteen subjects from three generations were found with the disease, without gender predilection. Seven patients underwent ophthalmic examination including fundus examination, intravenous fluorescein angiogram, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and electroretinogram. Six patients have a 30-year follow-up. Histopathology examination was performed on eyes of the eldest patient. Whole exome sequencing was done in four affected subjects.

Results: 

Findings include a decreased visual acuity, abnormal cellophane-like sheen of the vitreoretinal interface, a “plush” nerve fiber layer, and characteristic macular changes. Electroretinogram showed a selective b-wave diminution. Intravenous fluorescein angiogram presented perifoveal hyperfluorescence and capillary leakage. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed cavitations involving inner and later outer retinal layers with later disorganization. Histopathologic findings included Müller cell abnormalities with cystic disruption of inner retinal layers, pseudoexfoliation in anterior segment, and amyloidosis of extraocular vessels. Pedigree analysis suggests an autosomal dominant inheritance with late onset. DNA analysis demonstrated a previously undescribed heterozygous missense p.Glu109Val mutation in transthyretin.

Conclusion: 

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first family reported with this disorder. Our data support the hypothesis that autosomal dominant Müller cell dystrophy is a distinct retinal dystrophy affecting Müller cells. Mutations in transthyretin gene may manifest as a predominantly retinal disorder.

In Brief

Müller Cell Sheen Dystrophy is a rare genetic disease with distinct clinical, tomographic, and histopathologic characteristics. We report the findings in a family with 30-year follow-up and propose a transthyretin gene mutation as its origin.

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