Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) as primary and rescue treatment for choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis.

BACKGROUND: Treatment modalities for choroidal neovascularization due to ocular toxoplasmosis include laser photocoagulation, surgery, corticosteroids, and verteporfin therapy. Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization due to other conditions appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic option.

CASE REPORTS: We report two young patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis who received a single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab as primary or rescue therapy. After a follow-up of 12 and 10 months, respectively, visual acuity improved, and features of active neovascularization resolved with no recurrence. No adverse events were recorded.

CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab appears to be an effective and safe treatment modality in patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis. Further evaluation with a longer follow-up period is needed to confirm these findings.