Intravitreal bevacizumab as a primary treatment for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization

The Application of OCTA in Assessment of Anti-VEGF Therapy for Idiopathic Choroidal Neovascularization

Purpose. To assess the morphology of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and determine the therapeutic effects of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). Method. Patients with naive ICNV were assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCTA in this observational study. The timing of observation was before treatment, 1 day after treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, and 1 month after the treatment. The central retina thickness (CRT) on SD-OCT, selected CNV area, and flow area on OCTA were measured. Results. A total of 17 eyes from 17 patients with ICNV were included in this study. OCTA showed visible irregular choroidal neovascularization with "tree-in-bud" form on outer retinal layer. After treatment, as well as in the 1-day follow-up, CNV decreased in size from the periphery, and the vessel density was reduced. As shown on OCTA, the selected CNV area and flow area were significantly reduced compared to pretreatment. The rate of CNV vessel area changes was higher on OCTA than the changes in CRT on SD-OCT at 1-day and 1-month follow-up. Conclusion. Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF is effective for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization, and the treatment outcomes are observable after 1 day. OCTA provides a useful approach for monitoring and evaluating the treatment of intravitreal anti-VEGF for CNV.

Changes in the retinal vascular network morphology (diameter and tortuosity) after administration of intravitreal bevacizumab in a patient with ischaemic branch retinal vein occlusion

We report a case of transient reduction in the diameter and tortuosity of an occluded vessel after intravitreal administration of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) bevacizumab in a patient with ischaemic branch retinal vein occlusion. A 64-year-old hypertensive female presented with chief complaints of reduced vision in her right eye for 3 months. Her vision in the right eye was evaluated as counting fingers at 2 m. Fundus examination revealed superotemporal branch retinal vein occlusion. On fluorescein angiography, in the superotemporal quadrant, there was hyperfluorescence that increased in size and intensity in the late phase, suggestive of a leaking neovascular frond. In addition, there was capillary non-perfusion in the adjacent area. The patient was administered 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) of bevacizumab intravitreally in her right eye, under all aseptic precautions. After 1 week, her right eye fundus showed regression of neovascularisation. Fluorescein angiography also demonstrated regression of neovascularisation in addition to a decrease in the diameter and tortuosity of the retinal vessel.