Clinical Characteristics, Differential Diagnosis and Genetic Analysis of Concentric Retinitis Pigmentosa

Concentric retinitis pigmentosa (RP), in which retinal degeneration is limited in the periphery, is rare and little information exists to date on the subject. Herein, we describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of this atypical form of RP. We retrospectively reviewed our database and identified 14 patients with concentric RP. Additionally, 14 patients with age-matched typical RP were also included. Patients with concentric RP had better visual acuity (logarithm of minimum angle of resolution -0.04 vs. 0.32, p = 0.047) and preserved ellipsoid zones (7630 mu m vs. 2646 mu m, p < 0.001) compared to typical RP. The electroretinogram showed subnormal but recordable responses in patients with concentric RP. Genetic testing was done in nine patients with concentric RP and revealed causative mutations in the EYS gene in one patient and the RP9 gene in one patient. Two patients had myotonic dystrophy and the diagnosis was revised as myotonic dystrophy-associated retinopathy. Concentric RP is a rare, atypical form of RP with better visual function. There is some overlap in the causative genes in concentric and typical RP. Myotonic dystrophy-associated retinopathy is an important differential diagnosis.

Automated summary

Concentric retinitis pigmentosa is a rare form of RP with better visual function, preserved ellipsoid zones, and subnormal but recordable responses on electroretinogram. Genetic testing may reveal different causative genes in patients with this condition. Myotonic dystrophy-associated retinopathy is an important differential diagnosis to consider.