Retinal vein thrombosis in a patient with metastatic colon cancer receiving XELOX chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab pre-hepatic resection

Abstract

Retinal vein thrombosis is a common vascular occlusive disorder of the retina responsible for varying degrees of vision impairment. It is an adverse effect rarely associated with cancer and its treatment. We report the case of a patient with metastatic colon cancer who developed central retinal vein thrombosis (CRVT) in the right eye following two cycles of chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) plus bevacizumab given prior to hepatic resection. Despite cessation of chemotherapy, vision has not improved. The etiology of the CRVT in this case is not clear due to risk factors for venous thrombotic events including colonic malignancy and previous major surgery. However, the proximity of chemotherapy administration to the initial development of symptoms suggests the possibility of a medication-related cause, with bevacizumab and capecitabine the most likely suspects.