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

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.