Abstract
Purpose::
To evaluate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) on choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) and angoid streaks.
Methods::
Retrospective report of three eyes with PXE related angoid streaks that developed CNV and were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Primary outcomes were measured by change in LogMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and regression of fluid ophthalmoscopically which was confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Results::
After a two month follow-up there was regression of CNV in all three patients and the average BCVA improved 9.5 lines. Two patients improved dramatically, gaining greater than nine lines of visual acuity. One improved from 1.0 to 0.18 and the other improved from 1.1 to 0.4. The third patient, who was treated for a peripapillary CNV, had minimal change in visual acuity (0.6 to 0.7). At follow up examinations re-treatments were based on BCVA, evaluation of clinical exam and retinal thickness as measured by OCT. At two months follow up, one patient had received one injection, and the other two patients had each received two injections.
Conclusions::
Injection of intravitreal bevacizumab can lead to significant and rapid regression of CNV, and substantially improved visual acuity outcomes. We feel it offers a promising treatment option for PXE related CNV.
Keywords: retinal neovascularization • injection • choroid: neovascularization