X-linked recessive familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy is an inherited disorder characterized by retinal traction, peripheral vitreous opacities, and subretinal and intraretinal exudates. We observed a family in which four boys (the children of three sisters) were affected with this disorder and an X-linked recessive inheritance was apparent. The differential diagnosis includes retinopathy of prematurity, primary hyperplastic primary vitreous, Coats' disease, peripheral uveitis, retinoblastoma, and Norrie's disease, but this differentiation can usually be made on the basis of clinical findings alone. Knowledge of X-linked recessive transmission is important for correct diagnosis and for genetic counseling.