Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomographic Finding of Macular Edema Associated with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion as a Predictor of Response to Bevacizumab

Abstract

Purpose: Baseline spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) morphology in patients with macular edema (ME) following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) was evaluated with respect to response to bevacizumab treatment.

Methods: Retrospective, interventional cases series. Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients (11 male, 12 female) with ME due to CRVO had a minimum of 12 months follow-up, with a mean age of 61±17 years at the time of symptom development. All patients were treated with intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab and follow-up examinations were carried out every 4-8 weeks. Reinjections were only performed if ME persisted or recurred.

Results: Baseline extent of inner nuclear layer (INL) cystic change/swelling was significantly correlated with 1-year best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), duration of ME and number of intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) (p = 0.034, p = 0.006 and p = 0.011, respectively). Baseline logMAR BCVA was positively correlated with 1-year logMAR BCVA, duration of ME and number of IVB (p = 0.001, p = 0.043 and p = 0.045, respectively). Central retinal thickness (CRT) was not correlated with 1-year BCVA, duration of ME and number of IVB (p = 0.461, p = 0.265 and p = 0.459). There was no difference in 1-year BCVA, duration of ME and number of IVB between patients with or without baseline subretinal fluid (p = 0.508, p = 0.844 and p = 0.948, respectively).

Conclusions: In CRVO patients, baseline extent of INL cystic change/swelling and IVB outcome are significantly correlated, whereas the CRT was not predictive for treatment response.

Keywords: 585 macula/fovea