State of the art spatial visualization of the response of neovascularisation to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy

Abstract

Purpose: To visualize the mode of action of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGFs) therapy on retinal neovascularization (RNV) in a patient with macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2 using a detailed three-dimensional data environment. Observation: A 60-year-old man presented with visual acuity loss and was diagnosed with MacTel type 2. Fluorescein angiography was not possible for safety reasons because of a history of severe reaction to fluorescein dye at his referring hospital. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging revealed new retinal neovascular membranes (RNV) in the macula of both eyes. A marked reduction in the size of the RNV in both eyes was evident on volume-rendered three-dimensional OCTA retinal imaging after the first anti-VEGF injection. Conclusion and importance: The ability to directly observe the effect of anti-VEGF injections on a RNV using three-dimensional OCTA was successfully demonstrated. This can be useful in patients with previous allergic and potentially lethal complications to fluorescein. In addition, enhanced three-dimensional spatial display of RNV leads to a greater understanding of the perfusion profile and the anatomical changes that occur in ocular neovascularization relative to surrounding tissue. This has the potential to provide insight into the pathobiology of angiogenesis.

Keywords

• Optical coherence tomography angiography
• Volume-rendering
• Macular telangiectasia
• Retina
• Neovascularization
• Anti-VEGF