Management of Peripapillary Choroidal Neovascular Membrane in Patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Abstract

Objective: To report the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) secondary to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Methods: Retrospective, multicenter chart review of patients diagnosed with peripapillary CNVM in the course of the treatment and follow-up of IIH.

Results: Records were reviewed from 7 different institutions between 2006 and 2016. Ten patients (13 eyes) with a diagnosis of IIH and at least 3 months of follow-up developed CNVM. Three of the total 10 patients developed bilateral CNVM. The mean time from the diagnosis of IIH to CNVM diagnosis was 41 months. Mean follow-up period was 8 months after diagnosis of CNVM. All patients were treated with acetazolamide for IIH. Seven eyes were observed, and 6 eyes were given anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, including bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept. All CNVMs regressed with subretinal fibrosis, and visual acuity improved in most patients. Papilledema resolved in only 1 eye, while the other 12 eyes had persistent papilledema at last follow-up.

Conclusions: Peripapillary CNVM, a rare complication of IIH, often resolves spontaneously with treatment of IIH. In vision-threatening and/or persistent cases, intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment may be a safe and effective therapeutic option.