[Role of intravitreal bevacizumab for resistant macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion after failure of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide]

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab injection used secondarily in patients with macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion after failure of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection.

Patients and methods: The present study represents a retrospective review of eight patients presenting with central retinal vein occlusion complicated by macular edema with central foveolar thickness greater than 350 μm by Cirrus-OCT, Zeiss. Between 4 and 6 months after the central vein occlusion, all patients initially underwent intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection (4 mg/0.1 ml). In the case of functional or anatomic failure, three monthly bevacizumab injections (1.25mg/0.05 ml) were administered. Prior to each injection, an ophthalmic examination was performed, documenting visual acuity (ETDRS), biomicroscopy, IOP and central foveolar thickness (OCT 3).

Results: After three intravitreal bevacizumab injections, we found no improvement in visual acuity (M0 = 45.56 ± 13 letters; M3 = 44.2 ± 8.6 letters), and no decrease in macular thickness (M0 = 559 μm ± 193; M3 = 543 μm ± 263). No intraocular pressure spikes or endophthalmitis were observed.

Discussion: The lack of anatomic and functional efficacy observed in our study does not appear to be related to the method, dosage or timing of injection, nor to the presence of subretinal macroaneurysms. It may be due to a cross-resistance to these two drugs. In any event, recent approval of ranibizumab and intraocular dexamethasone implants will likely change our therapeutic approach.

Conclusion: In case of recalcitrant macular edema secondary to central vein occlusion after failed intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection, secondary intravitreal bevacizumab does not appear beneficial.