Intravitreal Bevacizumab For Juxtafoveal Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary To Multifocal Choroiditis

Abstract

 

Purpose:

 

To assess the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injections in the treatment of juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with multifocal choroiditis (MC).

 

Methods:

 

Non-randomized interventional case series with fourteen patients (14 eyes) affected by juxtafoveal CNV secondary to MC. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including ETDRS best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. The protocol treatment included a first injection, followed by repeated injections over a 12-month follow-up period on the basis of OCT parameters and angiographic features. Primary outcome measures: mean changes in BCVA and proportion of eyes gaining at least 15 letters (3 ETDRS lines) at the end of the follow-up. Secondary outcomes: mean changes of central macular thickness (CMT) and extension to the fovea.

 

Results:

 

Mean BCVA changed from 0.41 Log MAR at baseline to 0.16 Log MAR at the 12-month examination (p <0.002). A functional improvement of at least 3 ETDRS lines was achieved by 6 eyes (43%) at the 12-month examination. Mean CMT at baseline was 318µm and reduced to 239µm at the 12-month examination (p <0.001). No eye showed CNV extension to the fovea.

 

Conclusions:

 

Intravitreal bevacizumab injection is a beneficial treatment for juxtafoveal CNV associated with MC. Further studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.

 

Keywords: vascular endothelial growth factor • retinochoroiditis • choroid: neovascularization