Idiopathic vasoproliferative tumor of the retina––dual pathway inhibition with faricimab: a case report

Vasoproliferative tumors (VPTR) of the retina are a rare clinical condition that can lead to complications such as serous retinal detachment (SRD), macular edema, and neovascularization. Observation is typically recommended for small (≤ 2 DD) and asymptomatic tumors. Brachytherapy and cryotherapy, particularly the latter, have been the most widely accepted treatments for these tumors. A 42-year-old asymptomatic Hispanic female with a white-reddish retinal mass, serous retinal detachment, and macular exudation in her left eye underwent two sessions of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) using an 810-nm diode laser, with power settings ranging from 500 to 700 mW, at a 1-month interval between sessions. A single dose of faricimab was administered between the sessions. SRD resolved, and visual acuity remained 20/20 at 1-year follow-up. TTT appears to be an effective treatment for small tumors, offering a more affordable and accessible option for hospitals without access to brachytherapy, while adjunctive anti-VEGF therapy may aid in the management of complications.