Punctate inner choroiditis and choroidal neovascular membrane formation following vitreoretinal surgery: A case report

Abstract

Purpose

To report a case of punctate inner choroiditis (PIC) and subsequent choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) development in a young, high myope following vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Case Description

A 44-year-old male with high myopia underwent pars plana vitrectomy for subtotal retinal detachment in the left eye, followed by cataract extraction and silicone oil removal. Three years postoperatively, he presented with blurred vision, and fundus examination revealed PIC lesions at the posterior pole. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed characteristic features of PIC, including hyperreflective nodule-like elevations, disrupted ellipsoid and interdigitation zones, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevations and increased choroidal hyper transmission signals.

Results

Initially, no treatment was initiated, and the patient was monitored. Three years later, the patient experienced further vision loss, and fundus examination showed progression of PIC lesions and new CNVM formation in the left eye. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids and an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection (Razumab^® 0.5 mg/0.05 ml). Three weeks after the intervention, SD-OCT showed regression of the CNVM, and the patient's visual symptoms improved.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of long-term follow-up and timely intervention in managing PIC, especially in high myopes post-retinal surgery. Early identification and treatment with systemic corticosteroids and anti-VEGF therapy are crucial to preserving visual function and preventing severe complications like CNVM.