Ophthalmologic findings in fifteen patients with Wolfram syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: To look for ophthalmologic abnormalities in 15 patients with Wolfram syndrome, also known as DIDMOAD syndrome (diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy and deafness).

Methods: Fifteen patients from four inbred families diagnosed as having Wolfram syndrome at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, in Amman, Jordan, were evaluated ophthalmologically. Their examination included best-corrected visual acuity, color vision testing, pupillary light reflexes, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fundus examination. Fundus fluorescein angiography was done in all patients.

Results: The prevalence of optic atrophy was (93.3%), colordefect (92.9%), cataract (66.6%), pigmentary retinopathy (30%) and diabetic retinopathy (20%). Abnormal pupillary light reflexes and nystagmus were also reported.

Conclusions: Although ourgroup of patients was genetically heterogeneous, the ophthalmic findings are consistent with those reported in other series, except for cataract which was highly prevalent but mild and did not contribute significantly to loss of vision.