Retinal Pigment Epithelial Tears Following Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) Injection

Abstract

 

Purpose:

 

To report seven cases of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tearsafter intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin).

 

Methods:

 

Observational case series. Seven patients presented with occultchoroidal neovascularization (CNV) and associated pigment epithelialdetachment (PED) as a result of age-related macular degeneration(AMD). All patients were treated with one or more intravitrealinjections of bevacizumab.

 

Results:

 

Three patients developed RPE tears that were noted one monthafter their initial injection of bevacizumab. One patient developeda tear that was noted one month after his third injection andanother developed a tear after his fourth injection. The lastpatient developed a tear subsequent to pars plana vitrectomy.Despite developing an RPE tear, no patient experienced lossof vision.

 

Conclusions:

 

RPE tears have been documented to occur in AMD and after othertreatment modalities. They can also occur after intravitrealbevacizumab treatment. With possible rapid involution of CNVafter bevacizumab, patients with vitreomacular traction andPED may be at an additional risk for RPE tear. 

 

 

 

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • retinal pigment epithelium • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications