Autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy

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Reviewed November 2014

What is autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy?

Autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC) is a disorder that affects several parts of the eyes, including the clear gel that fills the eye (the vitreous), the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye (the retina), and the network of blood vessels within the retina (the choroid). The eye abnormalities in ADVIRC can lead to varying degrees of vision impairment, from mild reduction to complete loss, although some people with the condition have normal vision.

The signs and symptoms of ADVIRC vary, even among members of the same family. Many affected individuals have microcornea, in which the clear front covering of the eye (cornea) is small and abnormally curved. The area behind the cornea can also be abnormally small, which is described as a shallow anterior chamber. Individuals with ADVIRC can develop increased pressure in the eyes (glaucoma) or clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract). In addition, some people have breakdown (degeneration) of the vitreous or the choroid.

A characteristic feature of ADVIRC, visible with a special eye exam, is a circular band of excess coloring (hyperpigmentation) in the retina. This feature can help physicians diagnose the disorder. Affected individuals may also have white spots on the retina.

How common is autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy?

ADVIRC is considered a rare disease. Its prevalence is unknown.

What genes are related to autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy?

ADVIRC is caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene. The protein produced from this gene, called bestrophin-1, is thought to play a critical role in normal vision. Bestrophin-1 is found in a thin layer of cells at the back of the eye called the retinal pigment epithelium. This cell layer supports and nourishes the retina and is involved in growth and development of the eye, maintenance of the retina, and the normal function of specialized cells called photoreceptors that detect light and color. In the retinal pigment epithelium, bestrophin-1 functions as a channel that transports charged chlorine atoms (chloride ions) across the cell membrane.

Mutations in the BEST1 gene alter how the gene's instructions are used to make bestrophin-1, which leads to production of versions of the protein that are missing certain segments or have extra segments. It is not clear how these versions of bestrophin affect chloride ion transport or lead to the eye abnormalities characteristic of ADVIRC. Researchers suspect that the abnormalities are related to defects in the retinal pigment epithelium or the photoreceptors.

How do people inherit autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy?

This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. In most cases, an affected person has one parent with the condition.

Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy?

These resources address the diagnosis or management of autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy and may include treatment providers.

You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy in Educational resources and Patient support.

General information about the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook. Read more about genetic testing, particularly the difference between clinical tests and research tests.

To locate a healthcare provider, see How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.

Where can I find additional information about autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy?

You may find the following resources about autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy helpful. These materials are written for the general public.

MedlinePlus - Health information
Additional NIH Resources - National Institutes of Health
National Eye Institute: Diagram of the Eye
Educational resources - Information pages (5 links)
Patient support - For patients and families (2 links)

You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.

Genetic Testing Registry - Repository of genetic test information (1 link)
PubMed - Recent literature
OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog

What other names do people use for autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy?

ADVIRC
vitreoretinochoroidopathy, autosomal dominant, with nanophthalmos
vitreoretinochoroidopathy dominant
vitreoretinochoroidopathy with microcornea, glaucoma, and cataract

For more information about naming genetic conditions, see the Genetics Home Reference Condition Naming Guidelines and How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.

What if I still have specific questions about autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy?

Ask the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?

The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

What glossary definitions help with understanding autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy?

anterior ; autosomal ; autosomal dominant ; breakdown ; cataract ; cell ; cell membrane ; channel ;chloride ; chloride ion ; choroid ; cornea ; epithelium ; gene ; glaucoma ; inherited ; ions ;ion transport ; pigment ; prevalence ; protein ; retina ; tissue

You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.

References (3 links)

The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.