Purpose: To assess the anatomical and functional results after intravitreal bevacizumab administration in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to angioid streaks; To assess the safety and results stability;
Methods: Prospective, nonrandomized, interventional case study on choroidal neovascularization due to angioid streaks treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (AVASTIN). Intravitreal injection was repeated, if needed, at 4-6 weeks until leakage stopped. In all cases fluorescein angiograms and Spectral 3D OCTs were performed. Visual acuity was measured with ETDRS optotype. Cases were followed-up at least 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Wilcoxon tests.
Results: 8 cases with CNV associated to angioid streaks were evaluated between January 2007 and January 2013. Mean age of patients in the study was 52,36 +/- 4,33 years (ranging 42-64 years). The mean number of intravitreal injections was 4.64 +/- 0,42 (ranging between 3-8 injections). Mean visual acuity improved significantly in all cases after 3 intravitreal injections with a gain of more than 15 letters in 6 out of 8 cases (75%). OCT confirmed reduced depth of lesion and also a reduced lesion volume after treatment. No major local or systemic side-effects were noted. At 6 months follow-up the CNV reoccurred in 5 out of 8 cases (62.5%) requiring additional treatment. 3 out of 8 cases finally lost more than 5 letters due to subretinal fibrosis.
Conclusions: These results confirm the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab in controlling the CNV due to angioid streaks. High recurrence rate and quick lesion progression to subretinal fibrosis might be responsible for long-term poor functional results in this type of CNVs. More cases are needed for validation.