Optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of choroidal neovascularization in children

Abstract

AIM: Report cases of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in children and describe structural and hemodynamic changes in retina associated with this pathology detected by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 6 children (4 girls, 2 boys) aged from 7 to 17 years with CNV associated with pathological myopia, post-traumatic choroid rupture and optic disc abnormalities were examined. The activity of neovascular complexes was evaluated by ophthalmoscopy, OCT, and OCTA. The maximum follow-up period was 4 years. RESULTS: 7 cases of CNV were detected. One child had a two-way process. Myopic and posttraumatic membranes were localized sub- and juxtafoveally and were the membranes of type 2. In children with optic disc anomalies of the 1 type membrane and mixed (1st and 2nd) type was located extrafoveally. The decrease in visual acuity was determined by the localization of membranes, the severity of edema, and the severity of dystrophic changes in the retina. On OCT, subretinal fluid and hyperreflective material corresponding to hemorrhages were visualized in the projection of active membranes. OCTA revealed a network of small capillaries with a large number of loops and anastomoses. Intravitreal angiogenesis inhibitors injections were performed in 5 cases. A persistent effect after a single injection was observed in 2 cases. The return of membrane activity in 3 cases allowed us to justify the repeated administration of angiogenesis inhibitors. Along with a decrease in the activity of CNV, progressive dystrophic changes in the pigment epithelium around the membrane were detected. CONCLUSIONS: High sensitivity of OCT was demonstrated for early detection of structural and hemodynamic retinal disorders, determining the activity of neovascular complexes, predicting outcomes of the disease, and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic measures. The progression of dystrophic changes in the retinal pigment epithelium in response to therapy with angiogenesis inhibitors requires long-term monitoring of children and determining the optimal strategy for treating CNV in children.