Late-onset Stargardt disease

Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2022 Feb 16:26:101429. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101429. eCollection 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of late-onset Stargardt disease, discuss the differential diagnosis, and review the role of vitamin A supplementation in Stargardt disease.

Observations: A 60-year-old man presented with blurry vision in the right eye for the past two years. Current medications included a daily multivitamin containing vitamin A and age-related eye disease study vitamins. Examination revealed bilateral macular atrophy and scattered yellow flecks which were intensely hyperautofluorescent. Fluorescein angiography revealed a dark choroid. Full-field electroretinogram showed normal rod and cone responses, and genetic testing revealed two pathogenic ABCA4 gene variations confirming the diagnosis of late-onset Stargardt disease.

Conclusions: Stargardt disease is typically described in young patients but may develop later in adulthood and masquerade as age-related macular degeneration and a number of other conditions. Though the evidence is limited, there is concern that high-dose vitamin A supplementation could lead to progression of Stargardt disease. Avoidance of high-dose vitamin A supplementation should be discussed with Stargardt disease patients.

Keywords: ABCA4 gene; Differential diagnosis; Hereditary macular dystrophy; Late-onset stargardt disease; Macular degeneration; Vitamin A.

Publication types

  • Case Reports