Validity of Focal Laser Photocoagulation Followed by a Single Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection for Retinal Artery Macroaneurysm.

Retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) is an acquired localized arterial dilatation, which often occurs at second or third branches of the central retinal artery. Mostly, elderly hypertensive females above 60 years are affected. One in 4500 people over the age of 40 years is liable to develop a RAM. It may be associated with retinal vein occlusion. [1]

The natural history of a RAM can be divided into a growing phase, followed by gradual fibrosis and/ or thrombosis (closure), and then involution. A growing macroaneurysm may leak, resulting in intraretinal exudation and macular edema. It may rupture producing subretinal, intraretinal, preretinal, and / or vitreous hemorrhage. Approximately 8%-25% of RAMs undergo spontaneous involution without treatment. However, treatment is required for leaking macroaneurysms to prevent macular structural damage. [2,3]

Treatment options for RAM include focal laser photocoagulation, intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) injection, combined anti VEGF - laser therapy, YAG hyaloidotomy and pars plana vitrectomy. Focal laser photocoagulation is applied directly to the macroaneurysm (direct lesional), its surrounding area (indirect perilesional) or a combination of both. [3-5] Anti-VEGF agents including bevacizumab and ranibizumab reduce leakage from the macroaneurysm. [3-15] YAG hyaloidotomy is used for fresh premacular hemorrhage. [16] Pars plana vitrectomy is reserved for RAM complicated by vitreous and/or premacular hemorrhage. [17]

However, there is no consensus about laser and anti VEGF treatments. Some authors use perilesional laser, while others use direct laser only. There is also no clear protocol for anti VEGF injections. Some authors report using focal laser only if multiple anti VEGF injections do not result in marked improvement. [3-17]

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