Choroidal neovascularization associated with extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance

Extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance (EMAP) is a recently described entity. We describe the first observations of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with EMAP in 3 patients.

Nineteen consecutive patients with EMAP were retrospectively investigated for the presence of CNV and treatment outcomes. Each patient underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination including color fundus photograpy, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICG) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Retrospective analysis revealed choroidal neovascularization in 3 patients (4 eyes) out of 19 patients with EMAP. In these patients, laser photocoagulation or intravitreal injections of ranibizumab led to resolution of retinal exudation with limited functional improvement.

CNV is a possible complication of EMAP, a recently reported form of macular atrophy resembling geographic atrophy. Laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF treatment appear to be two valuable therapeutic options.