Case report

Use of intravitreal bevacizumab in a patient with a Von Hippel-Lindau-associated retinal haemangioblastoma of the optic nerve head: a case report

Timothy A de Klerk and David HW Steel

Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR2 9HP, UK

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Medical Case Reports 2008, 2:182doi:10.1186/1752-1947-2-182

Published:	29 May 2008

Abstract

Introduction

The optimum management of a capillary haemangioblastoma affecting the optic nerve head is not clear. A number of treatment modalities have been used to treat the tumours and their consequences. Ocular haemangioblastomas express high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and levels have been correlated with tumour growth and activity. Treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors would therefore seem a logical approach.

Case presentation

We describe a 23-year-old man with an exophytic capillary haemangioblastoma of the optic nerve head that was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab on three occasions had no effect on either tumour size or exudation in this patient.