Bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularisation in enhanced S-cone syndrome

We present a case of enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS)-associated choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) treated successfully with intravitreal bevacizumab therapy.

A 14-year-old with a known retinal dystrophy presented with acute visual deterioration. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated CNV, and treatment was initiated with an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent, with significant improvement in vision. Subsequent electroretinogram examination of the patient and her younger sister showed severely reduced rod responses with accentuated fast cone (S-cone only) response, confirming the diagnosis of ESCS as the underlying dystrophy.

CNV is a rare complication of ESCS that is responsive to anti-VEGF therapy. Although cystic retinal lesions may develop in patients with retinal dystrophies due to multiple possible aetiologies, CNV is a known cause of macula oedema in these patients that requires treatment with different agents, namely anti-VEGF therapy. Rapid visual loss in patients with inherited retinal disorders should prompt immediate clinical assessment to exclude CNV, and if CNV is detected, anti-VEGF therapy can preserve vision.