Enlargement of the foveal avascular zone in diabetic retinopathy after adjunctive intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) with pars plana vitrectomy

J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Apr;25(2):173-4. doi: 10.1089/jop.2008.0092.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe a case of angiographically documented foveal avascular zone (FAZ) enlargement after intravitreal bevacizumab following vitrectomy and intravitreal bevacizumab treatment of a diabetic patient.

Methods: This study was done as a case report.

Results: A 40-year-old diabetic man was treated with a pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal bevacizumab for a nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage. Despite successful surgery, the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was not improved. FAZ area had increased from 1.48 mm(2) preoperatively to 1.96 mm(2) postoperatively (24.5% increase).

Conclusions: Although intravitreal bevacizumab is an effective modality for diabetic retinopathy, it may deteriorate pre-existing retinal ischemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / drug therapy*
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / surgery
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fovea Centralis / blood supply
  • Fovea Centralis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Vitrectomy
  • Vitreous Body
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / surgery

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab