Inflammatory Choroidal Neovascular Membranes: Clinical Profile, Treatment Effectiveness, and Visual Prognosis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Carrola, G (Author) Other; Lima Fontes, M (Author) Other; Falcão-Reis F (Author) FMUP; Figueira, L (Author) FMUP; Ângela Carneiro (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Ophthalmology

Vol. 2021

Pages: 1-10

ISSN: 2090-004X

Publisher: Hindawi

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-8D5

DOI: 10.1155/2021/9982883

Abstract (EN): Purpose. To characterise a sample of patients with inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (I-CNV), including clinical profile, underlying aetiology and its course, treatments performed, associated clinical response, and visual prognosis. Methods. Retrospective analysis of patients with a diagnosis of I-CNV followed at the Ophthalmology Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitario de Sao Joao (CHUSJ). Clinical and visual outcomes were classified according to the difference in visual acuity after treatment. Results. Twenty eyes from 17 patients were analysed (11 female and 6 male patients, mean age 41.90 +/- 16.457 years at CNV diagnosis). Punctate inner choroidopathy/multifocal choroiditis was the predominant inflammatory aetiology (10 patients, 58.82%). Median follow-up time was 46 months (range 10 to 188 months). Neovascularization was treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (bevacizumab, aflibercept, and ranibizumab), and inflammation with anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive therapy (oral, intravenous, and/or intravitreal corticosteroids; oral cyclosporine or methotrexate). Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents had a median number of 7.00 injections (IQR, 4.25 to 29.00). Visual acuity among 20 eyes had a mean gain of 15.10 +/- 12.998 ETDRS letters after anti-VEGF treatment (p=0.000051). According to our classification, 16 had an improved outcome (80.00%), 3 had a stable outcome (15.00%), and 1 had a worsened visual outcome (5.00%). In addition, 13 eyes (65.00%) had a final VA equal to or greater than 65 letters. Recurrence was seen in 3 eyes (15.00%). Complications included cataract (6 patients) and ocular hypertension (4 patients). Conclusion. A combined approach with anti-VEGF agents and anti-inflammatory therapy was effective in I-CNV treatment, and an overall good visual prognosis was attainable. Intensive follow-up was fundamental in the management of both the primary inflammatory and secondary neovascular conditions.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10