Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for choroidal neovascularization in angioid streaks: a case series.
BACKGROUND
Intravitreal (IV) bevacizumab (Avastin(R), Roche), initially used for the off-label treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has extended itself to treat various ocular pathologies such as choroidal neovascularization not associated to AMD.


METHODS
IV bevacizumab 1,25 mg (Avastin) was used in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in 6 eyes of 5 patients with angioid streaks. All cases had a history of photodynamic treatment (PDT) or laser treatment and all showed progressive worsening despite the use of these therapies.


RESULTS
After injection patients were followed up at nearly 2-month intervals. IV Avastin was repeated in case of recurrence. Three eyes were treated combining PDT and IV Avastin. Cases were followed up for 7-14 months. All patients needed more IV injections. Five out of 6 eyes showed an improvement of BCVA and a slight reduction of leakage and size with FA.


CONCLUSIONS
This small series suggests that IV Avastin might be useful in the treatment of CNV due to AS.
Donati
M Carla
MC
Department of Oto-Neuro-Ophthalmological Surgical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Virgili
Gianni
G
Bini
Alessandro
A
Giansanti
Fabrizio
F
Rapizzi
Emilio
E
Giacomelli
Giovanni
G
Menchini
Ugo
U
D000368:Aged; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000793:Angioid Streaks / Q000150:complications*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D012008:Recurrence; D019233:Retreatment; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects; D014822:Vitreous Body
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab