Sequential anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and central retinal artery and vein occlusion after ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a rare adverse event characterized by anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) associated with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) followed by central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) secondary to treatment with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME).


METHODS
A patient with DME refractory to focal grid laser photocoagulation in the left eye was prospectively followed and treated with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. Over a 12-month period and after 4 injections, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 20/63 to 20/50 (Snellen equivalent) and central retinal thickness (CRT) reduced from 551 to 279 µm. In July 2009, BCVA dropped to 20/100 with CRT of 421 µm due to the recurrence of DME and a further injection was administered.


RESULTS
One month later, the left eye showed a sudden visual acuity loss. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/400 and the fundus examination revealed a hyperemic and swollen optic disc, with several retinal hemorrhages. Retina at the posterior pole was pale, with attenuation and sheathing of arterial vessels. Fluorescein angiography showed a delayed optic disc and arterial filling with retinal ischemia involving both posterior pole and periphery and confirmed the diagnosis of AION associated with CRAO. One month later, the BCVA decreased to 20/800, and fundus examination evidenced a CRVO with diffuse retinal hemorrhages in the 4 quadrants, congestion, and tortuosity of the retinal veins.


CONCLUSIONS
Although severe ocular adverse events are generally rare, patients receiving intraocular anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection should be monitored carefully for the development of vascular complications.
Department of Ophthalmology, University Vita-Salute, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy.
Maurizio
M
Battaglia Parodi
Pierluigi
P
Iacono
Maria Lucia
ML
Cascavilla
Ilaria
I
Zucchiatti
Dimitris Stelios
DS
Kontadakis
Stefano
S
Vergallo
Francesco
F
Bandello
D000368:Aged; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D058449:Intravitreal Injections; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D018917:Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000069579:Ranibizumab; D015356:Retinal Artery Occlusion / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014792:Visual Acuity
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000069579:Ranibizumab