Severe hypertensive flare-up after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for retinal venous branch occlusion

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins are involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. Systemic adverse effects of some anti-VEGF include hypertension, proteinuria and cardiovascular complications which could involve lower systemic VEGF levels. However, the question regarding intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF remains controversial given that the patients receiving these drugs are often elderly and present cardiac risk factors such as arterial hypertension or atrial fibrillation. We report a case of hypertensive flare-up following intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for retinal vein occlusion. The outcome was favourable after adapted antihypertensive treatment. This case report adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF, regardless of agents, may result in hypertensive episodes in some predisposed patients. Listing this adverse effect should help to minimize risks by heightening clinician and patient awareness and to improve blood pressure monitoring following the intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF agents.

Keywords: anti-VEGF; arterial hypertension; ranibizumab; retinal vein occlusion.