A rare case of very late recurrence of CSCR-induced CNVM following intra-articular injection of depot steroid

Abstract

Choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) is a major cause of long-term vision loss in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). External steroid medications, both oral and injectable, have long been proven as one of the major contributors to CSCR pathogenesis. Here, we report an old case of CSCR with CNVM, who presented with reactivation of CSCR and CNVM, 6 weeks following intra-articular steroid injection for chondromalacia patellae after an unusual gap of 8 years. Exposure to high doses of steroids can be a significant risk factor for reactivation of CSCR CNVM in susceptible individuals, even after a long disease-free interval. The disease process responded well to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF; ranibizumab) treatment with good visual and anatomical outcomes.