Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment for choroidal neovascularization secondary to punctate inner choroidopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the outcome of patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections.

Methods: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients diagnosed with CNV secondary to PIC were retrospectively assessed.

Results: Eleven women and five men with a mean age of 35 years (SD 11, range 16-56 years) received intravitreal anti-VEGF for PIC-related CNV. On average, 3.5 injections (SD 2.7, range 1-9) were given per eye. Thirteen eyes were treated with bevacizumab, two eyes with ranibizumab and one eye received both substances. The mean follow-up was 15 months (SD 11, range 6-40 months). BCVA improved in eight eyes (mean Δ +2.8 lines), remained stable in four eyes and decreased in four eyes (mean Δ -4.3 lines).

Conclusions: CNV development is a frequent complication of PIC. Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy seems to be safe and effective for PIC-related CNV.

Keywords: Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor); Choroidal neovascularization; Intravitreal antiangiogenic therapy; Punctate inner choroidopathy.