Subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane in the second trimester

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Pregnancy Complications

Background:

• Subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) poses a risk to vision.
• Management during pregnancy requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies are effective but their use in pregnancy is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the management of a pregnant patient with subfoveal CNV.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in this context.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a woman diagnosed with subfoveal CNV at 5 months gestation.
• Treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab was deferred until after delivery.
• Visual acuity was assessed post-partum.

Main Results:

• The patient received one intravitreal injection of bevacizumab post-delivery.
• One month after treatment, visual acuity improved to 20/30.
• No immediate adverse events were noted.

Conclusions:

• Subfoveal CNV can occur during pregnancy.
• Withholding anti-VEGF therapy until after delivery is a viable management strategy.
• Intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for post-partum recovery of visual acuity.