Abstract
Purpose::
To review our experience using intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech) for the treatment of eyes with perifoveal telangiectasia(PT) with and without subretinal neovascularization (SRNV).
Methods::
A retrospective review was performed of PT patients treated with intravitreal Avastin. Seven eyes of 6 patients with PT were identified. Three of these eyes had associated SRNV involving the macula. Visual acuity, central retinal thickness by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and leakage on fluorescein angiography were monitored during a follow-up period ranging from 2 weeks to 9 months after treatment with intravitreal Avastin.
Results::
Eyes with PT and SRNV treated with intravitreal Avastin experienced an average visual acuity improvement of greater than 3 lines of Snellen visual acuity. After treatment, fluorescein angiographic leakage from the SRNV was eliminated, lesion growth was prevented, and OCT central retinal appearance and thickness measurements improved. In PT eyes without SRNV, visual acuity remained stable and fluorescein angiography revealed a marked decrease in leakage from the perifoveal region, but little if any change was detected on OCT with a decrease in thickness from 201.5µm to 184.5µm.
Conclusions::
Intravitreal Avastin in eyes with PT and SRNV improved vision and prevented further growth of the neovascular lesion. For eyes with PT without SRNV, little benefit from intravitreal Avastin was appreciated.
Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • macula/fovea • retina