DYRK1A syndrome presenting with a familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)-like retinovascular phenotype.

Introduction: The DYRK1A gene plays a crucial role in central nervous system development, with haploinsufficiency leading to DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome. Ocular manifestations are common in DYRK1A syndrome and include refractive error, strabismus and optic nerve hypoplasia. Retinal involvement, however is less frequently reported and remains uncharacterised.

Methods: We conducted comprehensive ocular and systemic evaluations in two unrelated individuals with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)-like presentations and de novo DYRK1A variants. Genetic testing included whole genome sequencing with variant interpretation based on clinical guidelines.

Results: Patient 1 had a previously reported recurrent pathogenic DYRK1A variant [c.1282C>T; p.(Arg428Ter)], whilst Patient 2 had a novel missense likely pathogenic variant [c.857T>C; p.(Leu286Pro)]. Both patients demonstrated systemic features consistent with DYRK1A syndrome.

Discussion: These cases confirm vitreoretinal involvement as an associated finding in DYRK1A syndrome and highlight FEVR-like retinovascular abnormalities as a potential diagnostic clue for the condition in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.