Late re-activation of Coats disease

PURPOSE: To report case of Coats disease with the longest known interval of disease quiescence prior to first reactivation (17 years). OBSERVATION: A 25-year-old male was regularly followed for Coats disease since age 4. After initial treatment with cryoablation, disease quiescence was achieved at age 8. The disease activity was well controlled for 17 years after which he developed decreased vision in the right eye at age 25. Late reactivation of Coats disease was diagnosed and multiple treatments ensued. Despite aggressive therapy, the patient experienced progressive exudation warranting surgical management and eventually developed neovascular glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Once diagnosed with Coats disease, lifelong monitoring is essential to early detection and treatment of potential disease reactivation. The interval between disease quiescence and reactivation is variable, with this case representing the longest known interval of disease quiescence prior to first reactivation (17 years).