Photodynamic therapy using verteporfin for choroidal neovascularization in angioid streaks☆
Presented in part at the Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology Annual Meeting 2002 Fort Lauderdale, Florida and at the Joint Retina and Vitreous Annual Society Meeting 2002 in San Francisco, California.
Accepted 16 August 2002.
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in the management of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with angioid streaks.
Design
Retrospective case series.
Methods
Eleven eyes of nine patients with subfoveal or juxtafoveal CNV due to angioid streaks underwent visual acuity testing, ophthalmic examination, color photography, and fluorescein angiography to evaluate the results of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. Retreatment of persistent CNV was based on criteria from the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Photodynamic Therapy Investigation (TAP) except in one case. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 28 months (mean, 17 months).
Results
Nine of 11 eyes had subfoveal lesions while two eyes had juxtafoveal lesions on initial examination. Conversion from a choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) to a fibrous disciform lesion following photodynamic therapy was observed in nine eyes. Enlargement of the CNVM was noted in seven of these eyes by fluorescein angiography at final follow-up. Initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from 20/25 to counting fingers (CF) (mean, 20/400; median, 20/200). Final BCVA ranged from 20/20 to CF (mean, 20/600; median, 20/400). Seven eyes with subfoveal CNVM had an initial BCVA of at least 20/200 while only three eyes maintained this level or better at last follow-up. In one patient with a juxtafoveal CNVM in one eye, vision decreased from 20/25 to 20/400 with enlargement and fibrosis of the CNVM and subfoveal extension. In the fellow eye a juxtafoveal CNVM was initially treated and then retreated earlier than TAP criteria at 6 weeks. Vision improved to 20/20 and has remained stable 5 months after the initial treatment.
Conclusions
Verteporfin for choroidal neovascularization–associated with angioid streaks does not appear to significantly alter the course of this disease with most eyes undergoing enlargement and disciform transformation of the neovascular process. However, aggressive management of these patients with biomicroscopic and fluorescein angiographic examination and timely photodynamic therapy with early retreatment when indicated may be beneficial in certain cases.
aAssociated Retinal Consultants and The Beaumont Eye Institute, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
Inquiries to Alan J. Ruby, MD, Associated Retinal Consultants and The Beaumont Eye Institute, 632 William Beaumont Medical Building, 3535 West Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI, 48073 USA.
☆ Saad Shaikh, MD, is a Heed Foundation and Michels Foundation Fellow.
ABSTRACT