Combined use of intravitreal bevacizumab and oral steroid treatment in three diabetic papillopathy patients: a diagnostic and treatment challenge

TL;DR

This case report shows that combining bevacizumab injections and oral steroids can rapidly improve vision in patients with diabetic papillopathy.

Contribution

The novel contribution is the first reported use of combined intravitreal anti-VEGF and oral steroid treatment for diabetic papillopathy.

Findings

Three DP patients showed rapid improvement in visual acuity after combined therapy.

Optic disc edema significantly decreased within one week of treatment.

The combination of bevacizumab and oral steroids appears safe and effective for DP.

Abstract

Diabetic papillopathy (DP), a form of optic disc edema, is characterized by decreased visual acuity and mild to severe visual field defects. While there is no consensus about treatment, some publications report that intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection may be beneficial. To our knowledge, however, no research reports on the effects of combining anti-VEGF injection and oral steroids in DP treatment. In this case report we present three DP cases that showed rapid improvement following therapy with intravitreal bevacizumab and oral steroids. Optic disc edemas were significantly decreased, and visual acuities were markedly increased in the first week of treatment. This report suggests that combined use of these therapies may be safely used in patients diagnosed with DP.

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