Functional changes following combined intravitreal bevacizumab and photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Purpose  

To assess the functional changes of retina in patients affected by polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) after combined intravitreal bevacizumab and photodynamic therapy (PDT) by means of contrast sensitivity (CS) test and color vision test.     

息肉样脉络膜血管病变中分支血管网的影像特征

目的 观察息肉样脉络膜血管病变（PCV）中分支血管网（BVN）的影像特征。方法 初诊为PCV且未经治疗的80例患者90只眼纳入研究。其中,男性58例,女性22例;年龄49~85岁,平均年龄61.4岁。所有患者均行眼底彩色照相、荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）、吲哚青绿血管造影（ICGA）和光相干断层扫描（OCT）检查。FFA检查显示的荧光逐渐增强的视网膜下边界清楚的欠均质强荧光斑视为纤维血管性色素上皮脱离（PED）;ICGA检查显示的晚期呈苔藓样边界清楚的强荧光斑视为晚期苔藓样强荧光斑;OCT检查显示的视网膜色素上皮（RPE）光带与Bruch膜光带较大范围的浅脱离视为双层征。结果 90只眼中,伴有BVN者76只眼,占84.4%。眼底检查发现,橘红色病灶中含有与BVN对应的分支状成分18只眼,占所有患眼的20.0%,占伴有BVN患眼的23.7%。FFA检查发现,伴有BVN的76只眼中,早期可透见部分或全部BVN者56只眼,占73.7%;BVN造影全程仅显示为对应的分支状透见荧光3只眼,占3.9%;表现为隐匿性脉络膜新生血管73只眼,占96.1%,其中表现为纤维血管性PED者21只眼,占伴有BVN患眼的27.6%。ICGA检查发现,伴有BVN的76只眼,其BVN显影均早于息肉样病灶,息肉样病灶位于BVN末端62只眼,占81.6%;晚期显示与BVN对应的苔藓样强荧光斑69只眼,占90.8%。苔藓样强荧光斑范围均等于或大于ICGA早期显示的BVN和息肉样病灶范围。OCT检查发现,伴有BVN的76只眼中,可见双层征72只眼,占94.7%。其中,双层征脱离腔内存在与ICGA影像中息肉样病灶对应的管腔样结构15只眼,占20.8%;双层征脱离腔内的中等反射填充不均匀,夹杂点状和线状强反射65只眼,占90.3%;双层征底部存在与ICGA影像中的BVN起点对应的短段弱反射和Bruch膜缺口2只眼,占2.8%;双层征范围与ICGA晚期显示的苔藓样强荧光斑范围吻合63只眼,占87.5%。结论 PCV中BVN眼底可表现为视网膜下的橘红色分支;FFA大多表现为早期可透见其分支行径但全程显示为隐匿性脉络膜新生血管;ICGA晚期大多表现为苔藓样强荧光斑;OCT主要表现为双层征且大部分与苔藓样强荧光斑范围吻合。     

Chorioretinal anastomosis after photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

An 80-year-old woman was treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) to the left eye for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). About 3 months after PDT, her left eye developed a chorioretinal anastomosis with severe atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium in the macula; visual acuity in this eye was 20/1000. She received a second session of PDT, plus an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide. About 3 months after the second treatment, the chorioretinal anastomosis was enlarged and the retinal vessels involved in the anastomosis were more dilated. About 1 year after the first PDT, visual acuity in the left eye had stabilized at 20/400. Development of a chorioretinal anastomosis is a distinct possibility following PDT in eyes with PCV, and can lead to poor visual recovery.     

Hemorrhagic complications after photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features and risk factors of hemorrhagic complications in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) after photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data for 91 consecutive eyes of 85 patients who underwent PDT for the treatment of PCV. The diagnosis of PCV was based on indocyanine green angiographic findings, showing a branching vascular network terminating in polypoidal swelling. The greatest linear dimension included all polypoidal lesions, leaking vascular network, and type 2 choroidal neovascularization. RESULTS: During the follow-up period after PDT, postoperative subretinal hemorrhage was seen in 28 (30.8%) of 91 eyes. In 22 (78.6%) of these 28 eyes, subretinal hemorrhage was absorbed without treatment. In 6 eyes (21.4%), however, bleeding resulted in vitreous hemorrhage, and 2 eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy. Although visual acuity was maintained or increased in 18 (81.8%) of 22 eyes with subretinal hemorrhage alone, it decreased significantly in 3 (50.0%) of 6 eyes with postoperative vitreous hemorrhage. Various systemic diseases and medication with an anticoagulant had no correlation with these hemorrhagic complications. Laser irradiation spot size for PDT was significantly larger in eyes with postoperative vitreous hemorrhage (P = 0.017) than in those without. CONCLUSION: Subretinal hemorrhage after PDT can be a common complication in patients with PCV and may have a minor effect on visual outcome. However, postoperative hemorrhage is occasionally so massive that it leads to vitreous hemorrhage and poor visual prognosis. When considering PDT for eyes with a large PCV lesion, ophthalmologists should be aware of the risk of serious hemorrhagic complications.     

光动力疗法联合玻璃体腔注射Bevacizumab治疗息肉状脉络膜血管病变前后多焦视网膜电图的改变

目的 应用光动力疗法（PDT）联合玻璃体腔注射Bevacizumab治疗息肉状脉络膜血管病变（PCV）,探讨治疗前后患者多焦视网膜电图（mfERG）的变化.方法 前瞻性研究.共纳入黄斑型PCV患者13例（13眼）,男8例,女5例,年龄（60.2±7.7）岁.所有患者接受吲哚菁绿眼底血管造影（ICGA）指导下6 mg/m2剂量光敏剂Verteporfin的PDT治疗83 s,3 d后行玻璃体腔注射Bevacizumab 1.5 mg（0.06 ml）.治疗前及治疗后1、3、6个月,记录视力、眼底荧光素血管造影（FFA）、mfERG各环的潜伏期和振幅密度变化及并发症情况.采用Friedman＇s检验观察视功能指标的变化情况,当检验发现显著性改变时,采用Wilcoxon检验以比较治疗前后视功能的改变.结果 仅一例患者因为FFA的持续渗漏而于治疗后3个月随访时接受了再次治疗.治疗后平均logMAR视力逐渐提高,治疗后3个月及6个月视力与治疗前比较,差异有统计学意义（Z=-2.823,P=0.005;Z=-2.620,P=0.009）.与治疗前相比,6个环的潜伏期无明显下降.治疗后3个月,1环P1波（Z=-2.271,P=0.023）及2环的N1、P1波（Z=-2.202,P=0.028;Z=-1.992,P=0.046）振幅密度明显升高.治疗后6个月,1环P1波（Z=-2.432,P=0.015）及2环的N1、P1波Z=-2.158,P=0.031;Z=-2.118,P=0.034）振幅密度的升高仍具有统计学意义.结论 PDT联合玻璃体腔注射Bevacizumab治疗PCV后病灶血管渗漏改善,视力提高,外层视网膜功能部分恢复.mfERG可以作为一种评价联合治疗后PCV患者视功能变化情况的良好指标.     

Treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy with photodynamic therapy

PURPOSE: To study the effects of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin in the treatment of patients with subfoveal polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 16 consecutive patients with subfoveal PCV treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin was performed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients involved was 70.5 years. The mean follow-up time was 12 months. The visual acuity improved in 9 (56.3 %), remained the same in 5 (31.3 %), and decreased in 2 (12.5 %). The mean change in visual acuity was an improvement of 2.38 lines, a difference that was highly significant ( = 0.004). The change in visual acuity was negatively correlated with increasing age. The final visual acuity was positively correlated with initial acuity and negatively correlated with age. These results were confirmed by multiple linear regression. No patient had any lasting complication from the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Subfoveal PCV has no proven method of treatment. Although the follow-up time and the number of patients in this pilot study were limited, the encouraging results and lack of complications suggest that further study is indicated.     

Recurrence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy after photodynamic therapy

Purpose  To evaluate the recurrence of polypoidal lesions after photodynamic therapy (PDT) for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods  This is a retrospective review of data on 28 patients with PCV treated with PDT. The recurrent polypoidal lesions were observed with fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. Results  In 26 of the 28 eyes the PCV remained inactive for more than 12 months after one to three treatments with PDT. Recurrence of the polypoidal lesions after more than a 12-month inactive period was reported in eight eyes: three at 15 months, two at 18 months, and three at 21 months. Kaplan-Meier estimates of recurrence were 11.5% at 15 months, 20.4% at 18 months, and 38.8% at 21 months, with no subsequent recurrence until passage of 36 months of inactivity after the last PDT. Additional PDT after recurrence improved or preserved visual acuity in 80% of those treated compared to the visual acuity before the first PDT. Conclusions  Recurrence of PCV occurs in about 40% of eyes treated for PCV even after a long period of inactivity, so careful follow-up is needed.     

Role of photodynamic therapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with Verteporfin for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) involving the fovea in Indian eyes, through a retrospective interventional case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 9 patients (9 eyes) diagnosed to have PCV with foveal involvement between September 2001 and October 2002. RESULTS: Nine eyes underwent PDT for PCV. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 16 months. Initial visual acuity (VA) ranged from 1/60 to 6/12 and final VA varied from 1/60 to 6/9 at the end of follow-up. VA improved in 4/9 eyes (44.4%) by one line and remained unchanged in 5/9 eyes (55.6%), hence it was considered stabilized in all eyes. No adverse effects or events were observed during or after treatment with verteporfin. CONCLUSION: PDT may be beneficial for PCV with foveal involvement. Its long-term efficacy requires to be evaluated.     

Recurrent bullous retinal detachments from photodynamic therapy for idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To report the recurrent bullous retinal detachments as complications of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV). DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A pseudophakic 84-year-old-woman had IPCV and decreased vision. Angiography demonstrated macular leakage. PDT with verteporfin was applied. Two days later, visual acuity decreased from 20/50 to 20/400. Examination revealed extensive inferior subretinal fluid, which mimicked a pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. A scleral buckle was placed; no retinal breaks were identified. RESULTS: Vision and fluid resolved over three weeks. Four months later, examination revealed decreased vision and persistent leakage. Two days after repeat PDT, bullous exudative macular detachment recurred. Detachment resolved over two weeks; visual acuity returned to 20/50. CONCLUSION: IPCV that is treated with PDT may be complicated by iatrogenic bullous exudative retinal detachments that resemble rhegmatogenous detachments. Modified treatment parameters may reduce the risk of recurrence. The natural history likely includes spontaneous resolution and visual recovery.     

光动力疗法治疗息肉状脉络膜血管病变随访三年效果观察

目的 观察光动力疗法（PDT）治疗息肉状脉络膜血管病变（PCV）随访3年的治疗效果。方法 回顾性、非对照性病例系列研究。临床确诊为PCV的29例患者32只眼纳入研究。所有患者首次均行常规PDT治疗。对治疗后6个月有活动性息肉状病灶、病灶残留及渗出性改变者,行PDT联合玻璃体腔注射抗血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）制剂治疗或单纯玻璃体腔注射抗VEGF制剂治疗。所有患者均随访3年以上,平均随访时间（43.64±10.84）个月。观察统计患者首次PDT治疗后1、3、6、12、24、36个月的最佳矫正视力（BCVA）以及随访期间的PCV复发率和治疗次数。BCVA转换为最小分辨角对数(logMAR)视力记录和分析。结果 首次PDT治疗后1、3、6、12个月,患者平均BCVA均较治疗前明显提高,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.27、4.57、3.77、2.37,P＜0.05）。首次PDT治疗后24、36个月,患者平均logMAR BCVA较治疗前有所下降,但差异无统计学意义（t=-1.29、-0.81,P＞0.05）。首次PDT治疗后36个月,视力提高6只眼,占所有患眼的18.75%;视力稳定14只眼,占所有患眼的43.75%;视力下降12只眼,占所有患眼的37.50%。随访期间,PCV复发24只眼,占所有患眼的75.00%;未复发8只眼,占所有患眼的25.00%。PCV复发的24只眼中,1次复发12只眼,占复发患眼的50.00%;2次复发9只眼,占复发患眼的37.50%;3次复发3只眼,占复发患眼的12.50%。首次PDT治疗后12个月内复发4只眼,占复发患眼的16.67%;治疗后13~24个月复发11只眼,占复发患眼的45.83%;治疗后25~36个月复发9只眼,占复发患眼的37.50%。所有患者PDT治疗、抗VEGF治疗平均次数分别为（1.86±1.04）、（4.95±3.92）次。结论 PDT治疗PCV随访3年的治疗效果较差,其视力提高率较低,PCV复发率较高。     

Three-year follow-up results of photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Purpose  

To evaluate the visual outcomes and changes in abnormal vascular networks and polypoidal lesions of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) 3 years after photodynamic therapy (PDT).     

Tomographic features of branching vascular networks in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To identify the tomographic features of the branching vascular networks in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: We prospectively performed third-generation optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography for 44 eyes of 42 patients (mean age +/- SD, 67.1 +/- 9.1 years) with PCV. All eyes had branching vascular networks and polypoidal lesions that were confirmed by indocyanine green angiography. RESULTS: OCT showed double reflective layers that consisted of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and another highly reflective layer beneath the RPE ("double-layer sign") in the area of the branching network vessels in 26 (59%) of 44 eyes. The remaining 18 eyes had no double-layer sign, but 17 (94%) of 18 eyes had a slightly elevated RPE. A serous retinal detachment was present in 23 (88%) of 26 eyes with a double-layer sign, while only 1 (6%) of 18 eyes without the sign had a serous retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: In PCV, the double-layer sign is seen frequently in the area of the network vessels, particularly in eyes with a serous retinal detachment. The sign may reflect fluid accumulation between RPE and Bruch membrane resulting from leakage from the network of abnormal vessels.     

Long-term results of photodynamic therapy of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) 24 months or more after treatment. METHODS: The study involved 47 eyes of 47 patients with PCV followed for 24 months or more after the first PDT. Fundus appearance, indocyanine green angiographic findings, and visual acuity (VA) were compared before PDT, and then at 3 months, 12 months, and the final visit after the first PDT. RESULTS: At the final visit, VA was preserved or improved in 37 (79%) of the 47 eyes. Recurrence of polypoidal lesions was noted in 30 eyes (64%). An abnormal branching vascular network persisted in all subjects. In 26 of the 30 eyes exhibited recurrence of polypoidal lesions, which appeared in the periphery of the expanded abnormal branching vascular network. CONCLUSION: Patients with PCV need to be followed for long periods of time after PDT because of the high incidence of polypoidal lesion recurrence. However, since polypoidal lesions often recur outside the fovea, and thus have little effect on VA, PDT can be expected to exert long-term efficacy in treating PCV.     

Photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: Vaso-occlusive effect on the branching vascular network and origin of recurrence

Purpose To determine whether photodynamic therapy (PDT) has a vaso-occlusive effect on the branching vascular network in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and whether PDT can prevent future recurrence. Methods We analyzed pre-and post-PDT indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) results of 27 patients (27 eyes) who were diagnosed with PCV and who had shown clinical improvement accompanied by occlusion of polypoidal lesions after PDT. We also investigated the recurrent events in these patients and the origin of the recurrences. Results The branching vascular network persisted, at least in part, in 20 (87%) of 23 eyes undergoing one PDT session and in two (50%) of four eyes undergoing two PDT sessions. In the remaining five eyes, we could not determine definitively whether the branching vessels were occluded completely. Recurrent serous changes occurred in nine eyes (33%) 14–48 months after the last PDT. ICGA revealed that these changes were caused by new polypoidal lesions that originated from further-grown branches of the persistent branching vascular network. Diffuse leakage from undetermined sources seemed to coexist in two eyes. Conclusions PDT cannot induce complete occlusion of the branching vascular network. PDT does not prevent future recurrence, because new active polypoidal lesions may develop from the persistent branching vessels in the network.