Management of CNV in Angioid Streaks by Intravitreal Use of Specific Anti-VEGF165 Aptamer (Pegaptanib Sodium): Long-Term Results

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium injection in patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to angioid streaks.

Methods: Five eyes of four patients with angioid streaks with CNV underwent uneventful intravitreal injection of pegaptanib sodium (0.3 mg/90 µL). Patients were followed up with Snellen visual acuity testing, optical coherence tomography, and fundus fluorescein angiography.

Results: The median follow-up time was 18 months (range: 15 to 24 months). Visual acuity improved in two eyes, and stabilized in three out of five eyes. At final examination, CNV regressed with resolution of subretinal fluid in all but one patient with bilateral CNV from angioid streaks.

Conclusion: Intravitreal pegaptanib sodium for CNV associated with angioid streaks led to inactivation of most of the CNV lesions, stabilizing or improving visual acuity in all eyes.

Keywords::

• Angioid streaks
• Choroidal neovascularization
• Fundus fluorescein angiography
• Optical coherence tomography
• Pegaptanib sodium

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The study was performed with informed consent and followed all the guidelines for experimental investigations required by the Institutional Review Board of which all authors are affiliated.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.