Abstract | November 17, 2023

Ocular Manifestation of Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency with Retinal Vasculitis and Cotton Wool Spots

Leo Meller, BS, Medical Student, First-Year, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA

Andrew Lin, MD, Ophthalmology, PGY2, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA; Doran Spencer, MD, Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA

Learning Objectives

  1. Upon completion of this lecture, learners should be better prepared to describe Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency (MKD) as a potential cause of Retinal vasculitis and Cotton Wool Spots.

Introduction: Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) is a rare, inborn error of metabolism affecting cholesterol and non-sterol isoprenoid synthesis, caused by biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the mevalonate kinase gene (MVK). Ocular manifestations of MKD are very rare with few reported cases of cataract formation and retinal degeneration in pediatric populations. We report the first case of a young adult presenting with retinal vasculitis and cotton wool spots (CWS) found to be caused by MKD.

Case Presentation: A 24-year-old female with a history of recurrent febrile episodes, polyarthritis, and gastrointestinal disease presented with several months of photopsias and myodesopsias with a remote history of CWS. The initial exam was unremarkable and without ocular inflammation. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography revealed mild bilateral late-phase capillary leakage in the far periphery with a phlebitis predominant retinal vasculitis. Given her systemic conditions and lack of response to medications, genetic testing was performed, which revealed a heterozygous mutation of MVK.

Final Diagnosis: Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD)

Management: She is currently receiving anti-IL-1 therapy and close follow-up.

References and Resources

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