Response of Pediatric Choroidal Neovascularization to Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Abstract

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a rare condition in children but poses a substantial threat to vision. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is commonly used in the pediatric population to treat retinopathy of prematurity. However, the use of anti-VEGF is less common for childhood CNV due to the rarity of CNV in the pediatric population. We report the case of a 10-year-old male presenting with an idiopathic choroidal neovascular membrane. Following a relapse of subretinal fluid after photodynamic therapy, anti-VEGF (bevacizumab) was injected and resulted in remission of the neovascular membrane and improved visual outcome. Further studies are required to elucidate the long-term outcomes associated with the use of anti-VEGF in pediatric patients.