Unilateral branch retinal arterial occlusion following administration of bevacizumab for branch retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Intravitreal bevacizumab has been adopted as a well-established treatment modality for the treatment of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion. It is considered a safe and efficacious option for improving visual acuity. We present an interesting case of unilateral superotemporal branch retinal vein occlusion in a 55-year-old man who received two doses of intravitreal bevacizumab one month apart. Laboratory tests including complete hypercoagulability and thrombotic work-up were completed but the patient successively developed branch retinal artery occlusion. We reviewed cases in literature and combined possible etiologies. We report a previously unpublished case of retinal artery occlusion following the use of intravitreal bevacizumab. Several studies have shown evidence of systemic thromboembolic events after the use of intravenous and systemic bevacizumab; however, to the best of our knowledge, no case has been reported of retinal artery occlusion immediately after administration of intravitreal bevacizumab.