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CLINICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION IN RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
Hyuk Jun Lee1, Eun Kyoung Lee1, Min Sagong2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Purpose:
To investigate the clinical features, prevalence, and treatment outcomes of macular neovascularization (MNV) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
Methods:
The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with RP at three tertiary hospitals in South Korea. The diagnosis of RP was based on symptoms, funduscopic findings, and electroretinography. All patients were treated with intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection.
Results:
Among the 2,730 patients with RP, MNV was identified in 7 patients (prevalence: 0.26%). The median age at MNV onset was 59 years (range: 52-75 years). The median number of anti-VEGF injections was 5 (range: 1-43). After treatment, visual and anatomical improvements were observed in all patients. In six patients, MNV stabilized without recurrence after one to six anti-VEGF injections, whereas one patient needed repeated treatment. The 5 patients with a follow-up period more than 3 years exhibited no signs of disease progression or further constriction of the visual field.
Conclusion:
The MNV is a rare complication in patients with RP, occurring at a younger age than in those with age-related macular degeneration. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for the treatment of RP-related MNV were effective in preserving vision without accelerating the clinical course of RP.
Insights
Macular neovascularization (MNV) is rare in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) but effectively treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, preserving vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal diseases.
- Macular neovascularization (MNV) is a known complication, but its occurrence in RP is less understood.
- Understanding MNV in RP is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of MNV in RP patients.
- To evaluate the treatment outcomes of MNV in RP using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections.
- To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF therapy for RP-associated MNV.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records from 2,730 RP patients across three South Korean tertiary hospitals.
- Diagnosis of RP confirmed by symptoms, funduscopic findings, and electroretinography.
- Treatment involved intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents.
Main Results:
- MNV was identified in 7 out of 2,730 RP patients (0.26% prevalence).
- Median age of MNV onset was 59 years; median anti-VEGF injections were 5.
- All patients showed visual and anatomical improvements; 6/7 stabilized after 1-6 injections, with no disease progression in 5 patients over 3 years.
Conclusions:
- MNV is a rare complication in RP, appearing earlier than in age-related macular degeneration.
- Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are effective for treating RP-related MNV.
- Anti-VEGF therapy preserves vision without worsening the course of RP.
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