Abstract
Purpose::
to evaluate the short term efficacy of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with angioid streaks (AS)
Methods::
retrospective study. Four patients with CNV associated with AS (aged between 55-82 yrs) who were treated with at least one intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Patients underwent complete ophtahlmological examination, including Snellen visual acuity testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography at baseline and follow-up visits. Follow-up visits were planned at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month, and every month for six-monthsafter injection. The patients who showed recurrence of CNV as assessed by FA and OCT were retreated.
Results::
pre-treatment mean best corrected visual acuity was 20/200. At six months follow-up 2 patients showed improvement in visual acuity (mean 3 Snellen lines) with reduction of leakage on FA frames. The other 2 patients did not show any change. No significant ocular or systemic side effects were observed following bevacizumab injection.
Conclusions::
intravitreal injection of bevacizumab may provide an effective and safe alternative for patients with CNV associated with AS.
Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • drug toxicity/drug effects • degenerations/dystrophies