Recurrence of a choroidal neovascular membrane in a patient with punctate inner choroidopathy treated with daily doses of thalidomide

PURPOSE: To determine whether thalidomide therapy can prevent a recurrence of a choroidal neovascular membrane in a patient with punctate inner choroidopathy. METHODS: Case report. In a 38-year old woman with bilateral punctate inner choroidopathy, thalidomide therapy was initiated three days after laser photocoagulation of a choroidal neovascular membrane. RESULTS: The patient had a recurrence of the choroidal neovascular membrane eight months after the start of thalidomide therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The failure of thalidomide to prevent a recurrence of a choroidal neovascular membrane in this patient suggests that this medication may have only a limited benefit in preventing recurrences of choroidal neovascular membranes.