Juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization associated with retinitis pigmentosa treated with intravitreal bevacizumab

J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2012 Apr;28(2):202-4. doi: 10.1089/jop.2011.0140. Epub 2011 Dec 7.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a case of juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) occurring in a patient affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), treated with intravitreal bevacizumab over a 12-month follow-up.

Methods: A 66 year-old woman referred to our center for visual acuity deterioration was diagnosed as having classic juxtafoveal CNV associated with RP. The patient was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab, and was regularly monitored every month.

Results: At the end of the 12-month follow-up, best corrected visual acuity changed from 20/200 to 20/100 in the affected eye. Five intravitreal bevacizumab injections were required to obtain the stabilization of the CNV.

Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab is effective in producing juxtafoveal CNV stabilization and visual acuity improvement in a patient affected by RP, over a 12-month follow-up. Future studies are required to ascertain the best therapeutic approach for CNV complicating RP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Choroid / blood supply*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / diagnosis
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / drug therapy*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fovea Centralis / blood supply*
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / complications
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / diagnosis
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / drug therapy*
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / physiopathology
  • Tomography, Optical
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity / drug effects

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab