Butterfly-shaped pattern dystrophy complicated by retinal pigment epithelium tear – case report

Abstract

Introduction

To report a rare case of a 71-year-old male with bilateral butterfly-shaped pattern dystrophy (BPD) who developed a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear in the left eye. Pattern dystrophies are a group of autosomal dominant macular diseases characterized by various patterns of pigment deposition within the RPE. While pattern dystrophies typically carry a favorable visual prognosis, complications such as RPE tears are exceedingly rare.

Case presentation

Initial examination revealed bilateral butterfly-shaped lesions consistent with pattern dystrophy, with a central oval RPE tear detected in the left eye. Despite three injections of bevacizumab, no functional changes were observed and persistent visual impairment was noted during follow-up.

Conclusion

This case highlights the rare occurrence of an RPE tear as a complication of butterfly-shaped pattern dystrophy.