Treatment of peripapillary choroidal neovascularization with intravitreal bevacizumab.
OBJECTIVE
Peripapillary choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is an uncommon condition and often shows a growth tendency towards the fovea during spontaneous progression that threatens visual acuity. Treatment of peripapillary CNV is difficult. The authors report results of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for peripapillary CNV.


METHODS
Four patients with CNV located in the temporal or superior peripapillary area received intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Ophthalmologic examinations including OCT were performed at baseline and at 6-week intervals. Fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline and depending on clinical and OCT findings. The mean follow-up was 34+/-20 (22-69) weeks.


RESULTS
The patients received an average of 3.5+/-3.1 (1-8) injections. In all patients fluorescein angiography showed inactivation of peripapillary CNV. No further increase in size was observed in any of the patients. The OCT showed a decrease of intraretinal and subretinal fluid. No intraocular or systemic side effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
In this series of patients, intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be efficacious. A progression of peripapillary CNV could be prevented in all patients and the lesion was successfully inactivated. Anti-VEGF treatment with bevacizumab represents a promising therapy option for peripapillary CNV.
Hoeh
A E
AE
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Schaal
K B
KB
Ach
T
T
Dithmar
S
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D009898:Optic Disk; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014822:Vitreous Body
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab