Application of intravitreal aflibercept to treat bilateral exudative retinal detachment secondary to retinitis pigmentosa: Case report and review of literature

Abstract

Rationale: Exudative retinal detachment with macular edema is one of the complications of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). In this report, we present a case who treated with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in RP-related exudative retinal detachment and subsequently improved with favorable outcome. Patient Concern: A 49-year-old man, with a history of RP, had persistent blurred vision and was newly diagnosed with bilateral shallow exudative retinal detachment and macular edema. Diagnosis: Fluorescein angiography showed bilateral diffuse dye leakage with macular pooling, and systemic survey excluded the possibility of infection or autoimmune disease. Interventions: The patient was treated with intravitreal injection of aflibercept, one of the anti-VEGF agents, for bilateral eyes. Recurrent exudative retinal detachment and macular edema were noted, and repeated intravitreal injections of aflibercept in bilateral eyes were then arranged. Subsequently, bilateral macular edema and exudative retinal detachment subsided again, and the treatment course lasted for approximately 1 year. Outcomes: After 1 year, the exudative retinal detachment with macular edema was much improved. In the meanwhile, visual functional improvement was also achieved. Lessons: This case illustrated the possibility of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF therapy for the treatment of this rare complication of RP, and it may be a newly explored alternative treatment.