Bevacizumab for serous changes originating from a persistent branching vascular network following photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PURPOSE

To report the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab for either recurrent or persistent serous changes originating from a persistent branching vascular network or secondary choroidal neovascularization after photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, despite regression of polypoidal lesions.

METHODS

Twenty eyes of 20 patients with at least 12 months of regular follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Intravitreal bevacizumab was administered on an as-needed basis, guided by optical coherence tomography (OCT), after the first injection.

RESULTS

Seventeen (85%) of 20 eyes showed resolution of macular fluid after a mean of 1.9 (range 1-3) consecutive injections; however, 15 (88%) of them had relapsing episodes of fluid collection. The mean number of injections needed was 4.2 (range 1-6) over a period of 12 months. At 12 months, 10 eyes (50%) had no fluid accumulation on OCT, while 10 eyes (50%) had some residual fluid. The mean central foveal thickness improved significantly from 280 ± 37 to 226 ± 62 μm (P = 0.002). Visual acuity was maintained or improved in 16 eyes (80%).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be effective in resolving intraretinal and subretinal fluid originating from these lesions. However, the favorable effect was maintained for only a limited period of time and required repeated injections.