Multifocal Evanescent White Dot Syndrome-like Phenotypes Associated with Inflammatory and Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To present the observation of multifocal evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS)-like phenotypes developing in association with the onset of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a series of patients.

Methods

Patients presenting to tertiary-care centers with MEWDS-like phenotypes and CNV were identified.

Results

Five patients presented for the management of CNV in the context of previous diagnoses of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) and/or myopia. In time-periods ranging from 0 days to 12 weeks from the diagnosis of active CNV, MEWDS-like changes were observed. Treatment with anti-VEGF agents were instituted in four cases, in an as-required protocol. 1 patient received systemic steroid.

Conclusions

The development of MEWDS-like phenotypes in association with CNVM can occur in eyes with either inflammatory or non-inflammatory CNVM, and in those who were or were not treated with anti-VEGF therapy. The association suggests an inflammatory event, which causes RPE changes and probably induces the development of the CNV.

KEYWORDS:

• Multifocal eveanescent white dot syndrome
• autoflurescence
• choroidal neovascularization

Declaration of interest

Tomas R Burke has no conflict of interest. Peter KF Addison has no conflict of interest. Carlos Pavesio has no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval and consent

Patients were assessed as part of normal clinical care with data collection for this study carried out as part of registered service evaluations at Moorfields Eye Hospital (#591) and Bristol Eye Hospital (#59). Therefore, no specific consent was obtained for each patient. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institution and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments.

Additional information

Funding

Peter Addison and Carlos Pavesio: This work was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre based at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, or the Department of Health.