posted on 2024-05-09, 09:12authored byTsui J.C., Aleman T.S., Tapino P.J., Kim B.J.
INTRODUCTION: We report a case of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) with an atypical phenotype likely related to a hypomorphic variant in ABCC6.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old Caucasian female with a history of a maculopathy interpreted as either age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or a pattern dystrophy underwent a detailed ophthalmic evaluation. Visual acuities were 20/25, OD, and 20/20, OS. Spectral domain optical coherence and fluorescein angiography demonstrated outer retinal disruptions and breaks in retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch’s membrane (RPE/BrM) bilaterally, consistent with angioid streaks. A large area of hypo- and hyperautofluorescence extending from the central retina into the peripapillary retina was documented with short-wavelength excitation autofluorescence. The area of hypoautofluorescence, which was much larger on near-infrared excitation, spared the temporal retina. Two-color dark-adapted perimetries documented severe rod sensitivity losses and less severe cone sensitivity abnormalities co-localizing with the RPE abnormalities. No obvious skin findings were observed and initial dermatologic biopsy was negative. Gene screening identified a pathogenic ABCC6 gene variant c.1552 C>T and a previously reported variant of uncertain significance c.1171A>G. A second dermatologic biopsy demonstrated positive findings consistent with pseudoxanthoma elasticum.
CONCLUSION: Although this patient had minimal skin findings, this patient had characteristic structural and functional abnormalities of a pattern dystrophy with angioid streaks and histologic evidence of PXE, suggesting compound heterozygous variants involving the hypomorphic ABCC6 c.1171A>G variant. These findings support the pathogenic role of both variants.