Clinicopathological correlation of a retinal angiomatous proliferation-like lesion in a case of radiation retinopathy

Retinal angiomatous proliferation occurring after radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To describe two cases of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP)-like lesion following radiation therapy for primary tumor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of two patients with previous irradiation treatment for a pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland and a vocal cord carcinoma, respectively. Visual acuity (VA), fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography were performed and demonstrated a RAP-like lesion in both cases. Treatment with intravitreal injections of Ranibizumab was performed with a follow-up of 19 and 10 months, respectively.

RESULTS

Both the patients had a positive response to the treatment with improvement in VA and reduction of intraretinal fluid.

CONCLUSION

RAP-like lesions can develop following radiation treatment for a primary tumor. In patients presenting with idiopathic RAP, a history of prior radiotherapy should be considered.

Radiation maculopathy complicated by intraretinal neovascularization treated with intravitreal bevacizumab

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe a case of radiation maculopathy as a result of intraretinal neovascularization, treated with intravitreal bevacizumab.

METHODS

This is an interventional case report. A 51-year-old man was treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. He developed radiation maculopathy associated with intraretinal neovascularization in the left eye. He underwent a course of 3 intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL).

RESULTS

The visual acuity in the left eye improved with complete closure of the intraretinal neovascularization and no recurrence 17 months after the last bevacizumab injection.

CONCLUSION

This case of radiation-induced intraretinal neovascularization responded well to bevacizumab treatment. These lesions may respond more favorably if treated earlier.