Retinal Microvascular and Structural Findings in Children with Peripheral Arteriovenous Malformations Receiving Systemic Bevacizumab: An OCTA-Based Case–Control Study

Background

Systemic bevacizumab is increasingly used in selected pediatric patients with peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), particularly when interventional or surgical treatment is unsuitable. Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contributes to physiological vascular integrity, the effects of systemic VEGF inhibition on the normal retinal microvasculature in children remain poorly understood. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) enables noninvasive assessment of retinal microvascular and structural changes.

Aim

To evaluate retinal microvascular and thickness parameters using OCTA in pediatric patients with peripheral AVMs receiving systemic bevacizumab and to assess potential subclinical ocular effects.

Methods