Neovascular glaucoma in a pediatric patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report

BACKGROUND: To report a case of a young patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Methods: Here we review the treatment administered to a 7-year-old NF1 patient with neovascular glaucoma as the primary diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 7-year-old boy developed visual loss in the right eye associated with periocular pain and ipsilateral headache that had persisted for 1 week. The patient’s condition did not improve after treatment with topical or systemic glaucoma medications. Fundus examination of the right eye showed superotemporal retinal vasoproliferative tumors (RVPT). Near-infrared reflectance scans of the left eye’s fundus revealed bright patchy regions, scattered across the posterior pole; systemic examination showed café-au-lait spots all over the patient’s body. The patient had a clear family history. Genetic testing confirmed NF1. The right eye was treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injection, retinal lesion cryotherapy, and transscleral ciliary body photocoagulation. After treatment, RVPT scarring was observed. The patient’s intraocular pressure remained within normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: We report a rare case of neurofibromatosis in a pediatric patient with neovascular glaucoma accompanied by RVPT. We suggest that evaluations of young patients with neovascular glaucoma should include careful attention to the overall condition of the patient and his/her parents, as well as family history. If necessary, NF1 molecular testing should be performed to avoid a missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.