Anti-VEGF in a Marathon Runner's Retinopathy Case.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Medicine
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a prevalent retinal vascular disorder.
• CRVO has been documented in young, healthy individuals following intense physical activity.
• Marathon running involves extreme physiological stress, including potential dehydration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of CRVO in a young male ultramarathoner.
• To investigate the potential role of dehydration in exercise-associated CRVO.
• To evaluate the efficacy of ranibizumab in treating marathon runner's retinopathy.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a young male ultramarathoner presenting with CRVO.
• Clinical assessment including visual acuity and macular edema evaluation.
• Treatment with three monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced CRVO, presumed to be related to dehydration during marathon running.
• Following ranibizumab treatment, resolution of macular edema and subretinal fluid was observed.
• Significant improvement in visual acuity was noted post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Dehydration may be a contributing factor to CRVO in young, healthy athletes.
• Ranibizumab demonstrated effectiveness in managing CRVO in this marathon runner's retinopathy case.
• This case highlights a specific clinical entity within exercise-associated retinopathy.