Focal choroidal excavation: a preliminary interpretation based on clinic and review

AIM: To describe the clinical and imaging characteristics associated with focal choroidal excavation(FCE), analyze the possible complication, and interpret its probable etiopathogenesis.METHODS: Retrospective descriptive case series of 37 eyes of 32 patients with FCE. Findings of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT),fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography,and clinical features were analyzed. RESULTS: All patients were Chinese. Five patients(15.6%) were bilaterally involved. Patients’ ages ranged from 7 to 66 y. Refractive error ranged between +2.0 D and 11.0 D. Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.6(range, 0.1 to 1.2). Fundus examinations exhibited mild-moderate localized pigmentary disturbances in the corresponding area of 17 eyes. Fluorescein angiography performed in 18 patients showed varying degrees of hyperfluorescence and hypofluorescence related to a range of retinal pigment epithelium(RPE) alterations.Indocyanine green angiography performed in 7 patients showed hypofluorescence at the excavation. SD-OCT demonstrated choroidal excavation in all 37 eyes.Twenty-nine eyes showed a single lesion of FCE, and three eyes showed 2-3 separated lesions. Fifteen eyes showed separation between the photoreceptor tips andRPE consistent with nonconforming FCE. Central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC, n =1) and choroidal neovascularization(CNV, n =1) developed during follow-up.CONCLUSION: FCE could be interpreted as congenital focal choroidal dysplasia involving the RPE,choriocapillaris, and photoreceptor associated with the faulty anatomy. The abnormal anatomy of FCE was similar to anatomy at risk of CSC and CNV.

Long-term clinical effects of intravitreal injections of conbercept for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization in patients with pathological myopia

AIM:To observe the long-term clinical efficacy of intravitreal injections of conbercept,a novel vascular growth factor inhibitor,for the treatment of pathological myopia choroidal neovascularization(PM-CNV).METHODS:A total of 67 eyes(from 67 patients;mean age,54.90±12.7y)with PM-CNV were retrospectively researched.Based on the different schemes used for the administration of the drug,the patients were divided into two groups:group A(n=35;average age,53.31±13.6y;average diopter,9.25±1.72 D),which received only one injection of pro re nata(PRN;1+PRN regimen),and group B(n=32;average age,56.49±11.8y;average diopter,9.63±2.24 D),which received one injection per month for 3mo(3+PRN regimen).Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)analysis,intraocular pressure(IOP)examination,slit-lamp microscopy,fundus examination and optical coherence tomography were per formed at each follow-up.The recurrence and treatment times of CNV were recorded.The patients were followed up for at least 12mo.RESULTS:The BCVA was increased in 29 eyes(82.9%)in group A and 30 eyes(93.75%)in group B;no increase or decrease was observed in 6(17.1%)and 2(6.25%)eyes in groups A and B,respectively.The BCVA(log MAR)values before treatment(0.67±0.48 and 0.71±0.56)were significantly higher than those 12mo after treatment(0.31±0.26 and 0.33±0.17)in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.05).The mean central macular thickness(CMT)values had significantly decreased from 346.49±65.99 and 360.10±82.31μm at baseline to 257.29±40.47 and 251.97±48.26μm in groups A and B,respectively,after 12mo of treatment.A total of 21 eyes in group A needed reinjection(60%;average number of injections,2.51±0.98);the corresponding values in group B were 6 eyes(18.75%;average number of injections,3.74±1.22).There were no adverse ocular and systemic complications during the treatment and follow-up.CONCLUSION:Intravitreal injection of conbercept with 1+PRN or 3+PRN improve the visual acuity,reduce macular edema and reduce the level of CMT in patients with PM-CNV.The 3+PRN regimen demonstrates a lower recurrence rate of CNV than the 1+PRN regimen,but requires more treatment.However,both treatment regimens demonstrate long-term safety and efficacy for the treatment of PM-CNV.