PURPOSE: Peripapillary choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is an uncommon condition and often shows a growth tendency towards the fovea during spontaneous progression that threatens visual acuity. Treatment of peripapillary CNV is difficult. The authors report results of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for peripapillary CNV. METHODS: Four patients with CNV located in the temporal or superior peripapillary area received intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Ophthalmologic examinations including OCT were performed at baseline and at 6-week intervals. Fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline and depending on clinical and OCT findings. The mean follow-up was 34+/-20 (22-69) weeks. RESULTS: The patients received an average of 3.5+/-3.1 (1-8) injections. In all patients fluorescein angiography showed inactivation of peripapillary CNV. No further increase in size was observed in any of the patients. The OCT showed a decrease of intraretinal and subretinal fluid. No intraocular or systemic side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients, intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be efficacious. A progression of peripapillary CNV could be prevented in all patients and the lesion was successfully inactivated. Anti-VEGF treatment with bevacizumab represents a promising therapy option for peripapillary CNV.
PURPOSE:Peripapillary choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is an uncommon condition and often shows a growth tendency towards the fovea during spontaneous progression that threatens visual acuity. Treatment of peripapillary CNV is difficult. The authors report results of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for peripapillary CNV. METHODS: Four patients with CNV located in the temporal or superior peripapillary area received intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Ophthalmologic examinations including OCT were performed at baseline and at 6-week intervals. Fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline and depending on clinical and OCT findings. The mean follow-up was 34+/-20 (22-69) weeks. RESULTS: The patients received an average of 3.5+/-3.1 (1-8) injections. In all patientsfluorescein angiography showed inactivation of peripapillary CNV. No further increase in size was observed in any of the patients. The OCT showed a decrease of intraretinal and subretinal fluid. No intraocular or systemic side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients, intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be efficacious. A progression of peripapillary CNV could be prevented in all patients and the lesion was successfully inactivated. Anti-VEGF treatment with bevacizumab represents a promising therapy option for peripapillary CNV.