Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage may be associated with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in a patient with systemic risk factors

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Feb 2:2011:bcr0820103224. doi: 10.1136/bcr.08.2010.3224.

Abstract

The authors present a rare case where acute respiratory failure occurred after the intravitreal bevacizumab injection for a branch retinal vein occlusion. Chest CT scan showed ground-glass opacity in the bilateral lung fields. The finding of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed alveolar haemorrhage. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in a rapid improvement of respiratory failure. This report suggests that intravitreal injection of bevacizumab may be associated with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage and acute lung injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Lung Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Alveoli*
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion / drug therapy
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab