Resolution of Persistent Exudative Retinal Detachment in a Case of Sturge-Weber Syndrome with Anti-VEGF Administration

Abstract

Purpose: Report the resolution of a persistent exudative retinal detachment in a patient with Sturge-Weber syndrome following intravitreal pegaptanib injection. Design: Case report. Methods: A 13-year-old male with Sturge-Weber syndrome presented with a choroidal hemangioma associated with an exudative retinal detachment that failed to resolve 6 months after external beam radiation therapy. Results: A single intravitreal pegaptanib injection resulted in 50% resolution of the detachment within 1 week and complete resolution within a month. Despite anatomic success, vision remained poor. Conclusions: VEGF likely plays a role in the pathogenesis of Sturge-Weber choroidal hemangioma-associated exudative retinal detachment and offers potential treatment.

Keywords:

• external beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
• exudative retinal detachment
• pegaptanib sodium
• Sturge-Weber syndrome
• vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)