Intravitreal aflibercept for choroidal neovascularization associated with chorioretinitis: a pilot study

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of intravitreal aflibercept injections for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to chorioretinitis. METHODS In this uncontrolled, prospective cohort study, 15 eyes of 14 consecutive patients affected by CNV associated with ocular toxoplasmosis were treated with intravitreal aflibercept (2 mg) pro re nata and observed over a 12-month follow-up period. The primary outcome was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to month 12. Secondary outcomes included change in central retinal thickness (CRT) in the foveal area on optical coherence tomography (OCT) from baseline to month 12, the number of intravitreal aflibercept injections administered, and safety. RESULTS Mean (standard deviation [SD]) BCVA improved significantly from 0.36 (0.23) at baseline to 0.64 (0.3) at month 12 (P=0.0002). Mean (SD) CRT on OCT showed a reduction from 317 (74) µm at baseline to 254 (43) µm (P=0.0002) at month 12. A mean (SD) of 1.7 (0.5) injections (range, 1-2 injections) were performed during the study period. No cases of endophthalmitis, uveitis, stroke, or retinal detachment were noted. No patient demonstrated an intraocular pressure >20 mmHg at any study visit. CONCLUSION Intravitreal aflibercept showed a positive clinical effect and was well tolerated for the treatment of CNV associated with chorioretinitis. The results could be helpful for selecting a treatment for CNV secondary to chorioretinitis.