Epiretinal membrane-induced intraretinal neovascularization
Ioannis Giachos1, Evangelia Chalkiadaki1, Konstantinos Andreanos1
11st Department of Ophthalmology, University of Athens, G. Gennimatas General Hospital, 154, Mesogion Av., 115 27 Athens, Greece.
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
|August 12, 2021
Summary
Epiretinal membranes may induce intraretinal neovascularization, a condition confirmed by optical coherence tomography angiography. Treatment with ranibizumab injections demonstrated initial stabilization and subsequent management of recurrent neovascularization.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Vascular Diseases
Background:
- Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) are fibrocellular proliferations on the retinal surface.
- Intraretinal neovascularization is a less common complication associated with ERMs.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male presented with an epiretinal membrane.
- Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) identified intraretinal neovascularization within the ERM.
- Initial treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab resulted in membrane stabilization.
Findings:
- Recurrence of intraretinal neovascularization with intraretinal fluid was observed five months post-treatment.
- OCT-A revealed a new neovascular branch at the superficial capillary plexus.
- An additional ranibizumab injection led to renewed membrane stabilization.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential causal link between epiretinal membranes and the development of intraretinal neovascularization.
- Epiretinal membrane-induced intraretinal neovascularization may require targeted anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis and optimal management strategies.
