Efficacy of Aflibercept in Bevacizumab-Resistant Macular Edema in Adult-Onset Coats Disease

Abstract

Purpose: This case is the first to our knowledge that demonstrates the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept in bevacizumab-resistant, laser-naive macular edema (ME) in adult-onset Coats disease. Methods: A retrospective case report is presented. Results: A 74-year-old woman presented with central visual distortion in her right eye. Imaging and exam were consistent with adult-onset Coats disease with unilateral telangiectatic vessels, numerous macroaneurysms, and peripheral capillary dropout. There were also ME, lipid exudate, and localized hemorrhage. ME failed to respond to 4 intravitreal injections of bevacizumab but dramatically improved following initiation of aflibercept, with patient deferral of laser photocoagulation. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of aflibercept as the sole treatment of bevacizumab-resistant ME in adult-onset Coats disease. Given the localized macular involvement more common to adult-onset Coats disease, antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy may be sufficient, compared with classic childhood Coats disease, in which anti-VEGF therapy serves as an adjunct to laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy.