Two cases of retinitis pigmentosa associated with choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To report two cases of retinitis pigmentosa in which choroidal neovascularization developed. CASES: The first case was a 50-year-old man with retinitis pigmentosa. In his left eye, choroidal neovascularization developed at the upper side of the fovea. Visual acuity in the eye was 0.3 at the first visit, and had decreased to 0.04 at a 14-year follow-up. The second case was a 60-year-old man with retinitis pigmentosa. Subfoveal choroidal neovascularization had developed in his right eye. Visual acuity in the eye was 0.03 at the first visit, and had decreased to hand motion at a 15-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: These cases are the first reports of the coincidence of retinitis pigmentosa and choroidal neovascularization in Japan. Although the etiology is unknown, genetic investigation might be useful to clarify the association between retinitis pigmentosa and choroidal neovascularization.