Hereditary retinal dystrophies and choroidal neovascularization.
BACKGROUND
Choroidal neovascularization infrequently occurs in patients affected by hereditary retinal dystrophies.


METHODS
We studied eight patients suffering from different hereditary retinal dystrophies (Best's disease, reticular dystrophy, butterfly-shaped dystrophy, gyrate atrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa) who developed choroidal neovascularization. All patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, electrophysiology, colour vision testing, and fluorescein angiography. In some patients, ICG video-angiography was also performed. Laser treatment was carried out in only one patient.


RESULTS
The mean duration of follow-up was 41.7 months (range 6-148 months). At CNV diagnosis, the mean VA was 0.23 (range 0.02-0.6). At the last follow-up, mean VA was 0.34 (range HM to 0.9). At the last follow-up, fluorescein angiography showed a focal, atrophic scar in seven eyes, a fibrotic membrane in two eyes and a still active membrane in two cases.


CONCLUSIONS
We emphasize the relatively favourable visual prognosis in patients suffering from inherited retinal dystrophies complicated with choroidal neovascularization. Therapeutic approaches other than laser treatment could be attempted in these patients.
Marano
F
F
Institute of Ophthalmology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Deutman
A F
AF
Leys
A
A
Aandekerk
A L
AL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002829:Choroid / Q000473:pathology; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity