THE BELGIAN OPHTHALMIC ASSOCIATIONS
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This abstract is assigned to session FAB: Fluorescein Angiography Club Belgium
| Title | Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab for macular edema due to retinal branch and central vein occlusion. |
| Purpose | To evaluate visual and anatomical outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) as treatment for macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). |
| Methods | 8 patients with BRVO and 4 with CRVO developed a macular edema. They were treated with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB). Visual acuity (Snellen and logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (LogMAR) units) was evaluated. The decrease of foveal thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). |
| Results | The initial mean visual acuity of the 8 patients with BRVO (mean age 72.2 years) was 0.34 (0.47 logMAR). After 3 IVB, it increased to 0.58 (0.24 logMAR). The final mean visual acuity was 0.63 (0.20 logMAR). The patients needed a mean number of 6 IVB to achieve stabilization after a mean follow-up of 12.3 months. The foveal thickness decreased from mean 604µm before treatment to 340.5µm. All patients received a complementary laser treatment. The initial mean visual acuity of the 4 patients with CRVO (mean age 68 years) was 0.31 (0.50 logMAR). After 3 IVB, it increased to 0.46 (0.33 logMAR). The final mean visual acuity was 0.52 (0.28 logMAR). The patients needed a mean number of 5 IVB to achieve stabilization after a mean follow-up of 10 months. The foveal thickness was 655µm and decreased at 257µm. Only 50% received additional laser treatment. No complications were reported in either series. |
| Conclusion | Intravitreal injections of bevazicumab appear to be safe and efficient for the treatment of macular edema due to retinal branch and central vein occlusion. The number of injections needed and the need of association with laser photocoagulation for durable stabilization still have to be evaluated. |
Author 1
| Last name | DE FAYS |
| Initials | A |
| City | Namur |
Author 2
| Last name | GUAGNINI |
| Initials | AP |
| City | Brussels |