Role of Suprachoroidal Anti-VEGF Injections in Recalcitrant Serous Pigment Epithelium Detachment

Abstract

Purpose: Retinal pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) are characterized by a separation between the RPE and the innermost aspect of Bruch's membrane. Many chorioretinal diseases can lead to pigment epithelial detachment of which the most common is age-related macular degeneration; but a significant number of PEDs are idiopathic in etiology. PEDs can be classified as drusenoid, serous, vascularized, or fibrovascular type. Currently, serous PED has not shown much response to treatment, so no specific treatment guidelines are established. Whereas vascularized PEDs, have several treatment options such as intravitreal anti-Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal steroids. Hence, the need of the hour is to formulate a treatment strategy for serous PED. Methods: We report an original study of thirty patients who were diagnosed with serous pigment epithelial detachment on Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescence angiography. All the patients presented to our outpatient department with the chief complaint of diminution of vision, central/paracentralscotoma and metamorphopsia. All of them underwent treatment with suprachoroidal anti-VEGF (bevacizumab).The patients were followed 8 weeks. Results: BCVA and Amsler grid assessment was recorded on the 3rd day,1st week, 2nd week, 4th week, 6th week, and 8th week. Post-injection SD-OCT macular scan was performed on the 6thweek. Functional improvement (BCVA) was reported by all patients. All the patients had reduced size and height of PED in SD-OCT. Conclusion: Thus, our result indicates that suprachoroidalbevacizumab is an efficacious treatment for serous PED. It can be hypothesized that as degenerative changes in bruch membrane due to metabolite deposit plays a key role in development of PED; injecting the anti VEGF drug in the suprachoroida space adjacent to the choroid has a superior effect.