Choroidal neovascularization associated with extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance

Abstract

Purpose: Extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance (EMAP) is a recently described entity. We describe the first observations of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with EMAP in 3 patients.

Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients with EMAP were retrospectively investigated for the presence of CNV and treatment outcomes. Each patient underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination including color fundus photograpy, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICG) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Results: Retrospective analysis revealed choroidal neovascularization in 3 patients (4 eyes) out of 19 patients with EMAP. In these patients, laser photocoagulation or intravitreal injections of ranibizumab led to resolution of retinal exudation with limited functional improvement.

Conclusion: CNV is a possible complication of EMAP, a recently reported form of macular atrophy resembling geographic atrophy. Laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF treatment appear to be two valuable therapeutic options.

Keywords: Atrophie géographique; Choroidal neovascularization; Drusen; Dystrophie maculaire; Geographic atrophy; Macular dystrophy; Néovascularisation choroïdienne; Optical coherence tomography; Pseudodrusen; Tomographie par cohérence optique.