Abstract
Purpose. To present a case of a patient with pattern dystrophy (PD) associated choroidal neovascularization (CNV) that resolved spontaneously without treatment. Methods. A 69-year-old male patient was referred to our unit, for evaluation of a recent visual loss (metamorphopsias) in his left eye. Fundus examination, fundus autofluorescence imaging, and fluorescein angiography showed a choroidal neovascular membrane in his left eye. Since visual acuity was satisfactory the patient elected observation. Clinical examination and OCT testing were repeated at 6 and 12 months after presentation. Results. Visual acuity remained stable at the level of 0.9 (baseline BCVA) during the follow-up period (12 months). Repeat OCT testing showed complete spontaneous regression of the choroidal neovascular membrane without evidence of intra- or subretinal fluid in both follow-up visits. Conclusions. Spontaneous regression of choroidal neovascularization can occur in patients with retinal dystrophies and associated choroidal neovascular membranes. The decision to treat or observe these patients relies strongly on the presenting visual acuity, since, in isolated instances, spontaneous resolution of choroidal neovascularization may occur.
Highlights
Pattern dystrophies present in midlife with mild central visual disturbances in one or both eyes. The majority of these patients usually retain driving vision in at least one eye, until their seventh decade of life [1]. These patients can develop choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and/or geographic atrophy (GA) and for this reason quite often these cases are misdiagnosed as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [2]
Choroidal neovascular membranes can influence the central vision in patients with retinal dystrophies [3,4,5,6,7,8]
Intravitreal injections of ranibizumab and photodynamic therapy have been used in the management of a patient with pattern dystrophy that developed subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascular membranes [9]
Summary
Pattern dystrophies present in midlife with mild central visual disturbances in one or both eyes. The majority of these patients usually retain driving vision in at least one eye, until their seventh decade of life [1]. In rare cases, these patients can develop choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and/or geographic atrophy (GA) and for this reason quite often these cases are misdiagnosed as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [2]. The current case report presents a patient with pattern dystrophy who developed an occult choroidal neovascular membrane that resolved spontaneously
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