Intravitreal Bevacizumab in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma secondary to central retinal vein occlusion: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Every eye with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is at risk for developing neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to play a key role in the development of NVG in CRVO. Bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, San Francisco, CA) is a recombinant monoclonal antibody binding all isoforms of VEGF. Several studies have demonstrated intravitreal bevacizumab-induced regression of iris and angle neovascularisation associated with NVG. Case presentation: A 74 year old female presented with acute onset decreased vision in the right eye. Ophthalmic exam revealed acute non-ischemic CRVO in the right eye. A month later, follow up exam showed progression into ischemic CRVO and secondary NVG, which was successfully treated with intravitreal Bevacizumab followed by pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP). Conclusion: Our case report highlights the use of intravitreal Bevacizumab in combination with PRP for the treatment of NVG secondary to CRVO. © 2009 Alasil and Rauser; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.