Efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in subretinal neovascularization secondary to macular...

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy in the treatment of naive subretinal neovascular membrane (SRNVM) secondary to macular telangiectasia (Mactel) Type 2.

A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with naive SRNVM secondary to Mactel who were examined between January 2007 and April 2011 was performed. Eyes with diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, or any other macular pathology were excluded. Demographic data, medical history, and ocular history were recorded. The mean change in best-corrected visual acuity at the final visit was the primary outcome measure. The mean number of intravitreal injections, retinal thickness on optical coherence tomography, and intraocular pressure were the secondary outcomes.

A total of 16 eyes of 16 patients were included in the study. Of 16 eyes, 4 were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab monotherapy and 12 with intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy. The average follow-up duration was 12 months (range, 3-43 months). The mean baseline visual acuity was 0.17 ± 0.16 (Snellen equivalent 20/120) (range, 0.001-0.5), and the mean final visual acuity was 0.27 ± 0.14 (Snellen equivalent 20/70) (range, 0.05-0.66), and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.02). The mean number of intravitreal injections was 1.9 (range, 1-3), and there were no injection-related complications.

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy appears to be effective and safe in treatment-naive SRNVM secondary to Mactel.