Peripapillary Choroidal Neovascular Membrane: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Mar 27;16(3):e57050. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57050. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane (PCNM) is an abnormal growth of blood vessels beneath the retina near the optic disc. We report a case of a 60-year-old Saudi female with a history of hypertension, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy who presented to the emergency room (ER), reporting a sudden decrease in vision over the past month. Ophthalmic examination revealed reduced visual acuity. The patient received aflibercept via intravitreal injection every four weeks. On follow-up, she reported improvement in symptoms. It has been shown that intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) not only preserves visual acuity but also produces anatomic improvement when used alone or in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities like photodynamic therapy, laser photocoagulation, and subretinal surgery, as PCNM is aberrant blood vessel growth under the retina. Only a few cases have been recorded in Saudi Arabia; we report this case to emphasize the importance of diagnosis and timely treatment with anti-VEGF.

Keywords: case report; intravitreal injection; peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane; retina; saudi arabia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports