Retinal vascular abnormalities. A rare complication of myelinated nerve fibers

Background: Myelinated nerve fibers of the retina occur in approximately 0.98% of the population. Although they are generally believed to be benign lesions, they occasionally are associated with ocular complications. Methods: The authors report a series of six cases of myelinated nerve fibers complicated by retinal vascular abnormalities, three of which presented clinically as recurrent vitreous hemorrhage. The cause of the retinal vascular abnormalities remains unclear; however, from fluorescein angiography, it would appear likely that underlying inner retinal ischemia may be implicated. One patient with troublesome recurrent vitreous hemorrhage was treated with argon laser photocoagulation. Results: These cases illustrate that although vascular abnormalities are a rare complication of myelinated nerve fibers, they can cause visual and diagnostic problems for these patients and their physicians. Conclusion: Although the authors' experience in treating these lesions is limited, they believe that in one treated case, argon laser photocoagulation was useful in halting recurrent vitreous hemorrhage.