Photodynamic therapy of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization

Abstract

Introduction Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a method of treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with a diode laser used after intravenously administered verteporfin. Verteporfin is a light-activated drug initiating photochemical reactions in the target tissue. This leads to the selective occlusion of blood vessels in the CNV with no damage of photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium and retinal blood vessels. Objective To show the results of the treatment of predominantly classic subfoveal CNV with PDT with verteporfin used for the first time in our country. Method From 2003 to 2005, we treated 15 eyes in 15 patients using PDT and verteporfin, because of predominantly classic subfoveal CNV. If macular oedema was present as proved by fluorescein angiography, triamcinolone was administered intravitreally after PDT. Average follow-up period was 7 months (3 months to 2 years). Study design: retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. Results Two thirds of patients had CNV due to AMD, while in others it was caused by pathologic myopia, chorioretinitis, angioid streaks, choroidal hemangioma, except for one patient who had idiopathic CNV. Visual acuity was stabile in 60% (9/15) of patients, of whom in 60% (6/10) of patients with AMD, as well as in patients with pathologic myopia, idiopathic CNV and choroidal hemangioma. Retreatment with PDT was indicated in 40% (6/15) and in 50% (5/10) of patients with AMD, mostly 4-6 months after first PDT, but was done only in one patient (economic reasons). In two patients with AMD, triamcinolone was administered intravitreally for 2-4 months, which resulted in the stabilization of visual acuity. Conclusion Visual acuity was stabile in 60% of all treated patients with predominantly classic subfoveal CNV after only one application of PDT with verteporfin during the average follow-up of 7 months (3 months to 2 years). Retreatment was indicated in 40% of the treated patients, and in 50% of patients with AMD. As confirmed, intravitreal administration of triamcinolone after PDT could stabilize visual acuity. Side effects were not noticed.