Intravitreal bevacizumab in persistent retinopathy secondary to malignant hypertension

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection in persistent retinopathy secondary to malignant hypertension (MHT). Patients and methods: Single IVB injection of 1.25 mg/0.05 ml in 12 cases with persistent retinopathy secondary to MHT more than one month after control of MHT with pre and post injection evaluation of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical outcome up to sixth month and postinjection complications were evaluated. Results: Progressive reductions in retinal hemorrhages, exudates, cotton-wool spots, and macular star were documented by photography, angiography, and central macular thickness (CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Decreased macular edema was the most common finding. Improvement or stabilization of visual acuity was noted in all cases. Conclusions: In addition to proper medical management of MHT, IVB injection is an effective and safe approach to treat persistent retinopathy associated with MHT.