Retina-Vitreous
2025 , Vol 34 , Num 3
Retinal Arteriovenous Malformation in Wyburn-Mason Syndrome: A Rare Diagnostic Challenge Mimicking Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Ondokuz Mayıs University, Department of Ophthalmology, Samsun, Türkiye
DOI :
10.37845/ret.vit.2025.34.32
Wyburn-Mason syndrome (WMS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by retinal and intracranial arteriovenous malformations
(AVMs). These vascular anomalies can resemble central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), potentially leading to misdiagnosis and
inappropriate treatment. A 50-year-old female was initially misdiagnosed with CRVO and received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial
growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. Despite partial regression of macular edema, persistent vascular anomalies prompted multimodal
imaging, confirming the diagnosis of WMS. Fundus examination revealed dilated, tortuous arteriovenous vessels extending from the
optic disc, with macular exudation and a localized vitreous hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated early arteriovenous
shunting without capillary nonperfusion, distinguishing it from CRVO. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed persistent cystoid
macular edema without subretinal fluid. Systemic evaluation ruled out additional intracranial AVMs, apart from the patient?s known
primary sclerosing cholangitis. Despite anti-VEGF therapy, macular edema only partially improved, and vision remained stable. This
case underscores the importance of distinguishing WMS from CRVO through multimodal imaging and highlights the limited efficacy
of anti-VEGF therapy in WMS-associated macular edema. Accurate differentiation between these conditions is essential for optimizing
management and preventing unnecessary interventions.
Keywords :
Wyburn-Mason syndrome, Retinal arteriovenous malformation, Central retinal vein occlusion, Fluorescein angiography