Clinical course of choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks treated with intravitreal bevacizumab.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate visual acuity and anatomical outcomes of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with angioid streaks after treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab injections.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Best-corrected visual acuity, optical coherence tomography measurements (OCT), fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and ophthalmoscope examination at baseline and at each follow-up visit were performed. Five patients with CNV associated with angioid streaks were treated with injections of intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL). Re-treatment was recommended with symptomatic lesions, new subretinal hemorrhages, leakage on fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and/or fluid documented by OCT. Follow-up ranged between 18 and 32 months.

RESULTS: All eyes showed an improvement of visual acuity and were treated with at least four injections of intravitreal bevacizumab. Reduction of the leakage shown by fluorescein angiography and OCT was noted in all patients.

CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be effective in stabilizing and recovering visual acuity in eyes with CNV associated with angioid streaks. Patients with early symptoms might benefit more.