Ischemic colitis associated with intravitreal administration of aflibercept: a first case report

Abstract

In patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), the intravitreal injection of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents reduces disease progression and choroidal neovascularization. We report on a first case of ischaemic colitis associated with intravitreal injection of the anti‐VEGF agent aflibercept in an 80‐year‐old female patient. Conservative treatment resulted in a favourable clinical outcome. The anti‐VEGF agent was discontinued, and the symptoms did not recur. Although the intravitreal injection of anti‐VEGF agents has not previously been linked to the occurrence of ischaemic colitis, consideration of aflibercept's pharmacological properties and the chronological relationship between the administration of this anti‐VEGF agent and the occurrence of this systemic adverse event are strongly suggestive of a causal relationship in the present case. Although systemic complications have been rarely associated with intravitreal injections of anti‐VEGF agents, physicians should be aware that novel adverse events can still occur in AMD patients treated with anti‐VEGF agents.

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