Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) is a rare inherited retinal disorder.
• Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) can be a complication of BVMD, leading to vision loss.
• Understanding the clinical and OCT findings in BVMD-associated CNV is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical characteristics and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD).
• To assess the efficacy of treatments, particularly intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, in managing BVMD-associated CNV.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of six eyes diagnosed with CNV associated with BVMD.
• Ophthalmologic examination, fundus fluorescein angiography (FA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were utilized.
• Assessment of anatomical and functional changes post-treatment.

Main Results:

• The study included five males and one female, with a mean age of 36.3 years.
• Mean follow-up was 26 months; visual acuity improved from 0.65 to 0.42 logMAR post-treatment.
• Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment (mean 3 injections) was administered to 83% of cases, showing regression of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and development of outer retinal scarring.

Conclusions:

• Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are effective in achieving regression of CNV activity in BVMD.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings, particularly intraretinal fluid (IRF), serve as valuable markers for diagnosing and monitoring treatment response in BVMD-associated CNV.