Linear streaks associated with retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE:To describe a phenotypical manifestation characterized by the identification of peripheral linear streaks associated with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS:Study design is a prospective observational case series. All consecutive patients affected by RP underwent a complete ophthalmological examination. The diagnosis of peripheral linear streaks was based on the identification of curvilinear atrophic streaks in the periphery of the retina. RESULTS:Overall, six out of 140 patients (4.2%) were affected by peripheral linear streaks associated with RP. A single patient showed also punched out chorioretinal lesions at the posterior pole, with macular neovascularization development over the follow-up, treated with ranibizumab injections. CONCLUSIONS:RP phenotypical manifestation characterized by peripheral linear streaks is infrequent and may provide additional evidence to support the contribution of inflammation in the pathogenesis of RP.