Elia Chiavetta

Dr. Elia Chiavetta

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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EMElisa Marziali
Elisa Marziali
ECElia Chiavetta
Elia Chiavetta
SBSara Bargiacchi
Sara Bargiacchi
GMGiorgia Mancano
Giorgia Mancano
RARosangela Artuso
Rosangela Artuso
GBGiacomo Maria Bacci
Giacomo Maria Bacci
Purpose: To describe the long-term, multimodal follow-up and multidisciplinary evaluation of two pediatric patients with CDH3-related retinopathy, discussing the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of this rare cadherinopathy. Design: Retrospective observational case series. Methods: Two unrelated children with early-onset macular dystrophy and congenital hypotrichosis underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), blue-light fundus autofluorescence (BAF), microperimetry, and full-field electroretinography (ffERG), combined with dermatologic assessment and exome sequencing. Follow-up extended over 4 years in Patient 1 and 15 years in Patient 2. Results: Both patients showed sharply demarcated posterior pole chorioretinal atrophy with preservation of the peripheral retina and stable best-corrected visual acuity throughout follow-up. Microperimetry documented localized sensitivity loss with limited progression. SD-OCT revealed persistent ellipsoid zone disruption, retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, and outer retinal tubulations. Dermatologic evaluation confirmed congenital hypotrichosis without nail abnormalities; one patient exhibited mild fifth finger clinodactyly. Genetic testing identified the following two distinct homozygous CDH3 variants: a splice-site mutation (c.160+1G>A) and a frameshift insertion (c.1837dup, p.(Asp613Glyfs*4)). Conclusions:CDH3 retinopathy presents with a characteristic multimodal imaging pattern of localized macular atrophy and slow functional decline associated with congenital hypotrichosis. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach was essential for the correct diagnosis and a better and more thorough definition of the clinical presentation. Detailed long-term follow-up supports the hypothesis of retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction or maldevelopment rather than widespread retinal degeneration. Recognition of this phenotype is critical for accurate diagnosis, genetic counseling, and future gene-therapy strategies targeting the preserved peripheral retina.