Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in the treatment of exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (V-PDT) in the treatment of exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV) lesions that were not suitable for laser photocoagulation. METHODS: This was a prospective, open label study in two centers involving 30 consecutive patients (31 eyes) diagnosed with exudative IPCV using fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (VA) measurement, contrast sensitivity (CS) testing, FA, ICGA, and OCT. OCT was used to assess the stage of the polypoidal dilations (active or scarred) and the evolution of the signs associated with exudation. Study patients were treated with V-PDT and followed up at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months. Re-treatment was applied, at an interval of 3 months, until there was an absence of leakage on FA and hyperfluorescence on ICGA. RESULTS: Thirty eyes (29 patients) completed the 12 months post-treatment visit and were retained for further analysis. The mean number of V-PDT treatments was 2.5 (SD 1.1). At 12 months post-treatment, the mean foveal thickness had significantly (p<0.03) decreased to 224 (SD 104) microm from the baseline 292 (SD 124) microm while the mean VA had significantly (p<0.02) improved to 0.50 (SD O.38) from the baseline 0.38 (SD 0.24). Serous detachment of the macula completely resolved in 83.3% of the eyes while 73.3% of the polypoidal dilations were occluded at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that V-PDT is effective and relatively safe in treating exudative IPCV.     

Photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

The first effective therapy for exudative macular degeneration (AMD) was Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Diagnosis of the disease was to a large extent by fluorescein angiography (FA). Distinguishing between the leaky choroidal neovessels (CNV) associated with exudative AMD, and the polypoidal structures associated with Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (PCV) is not always easy using FA alone. The switch to Indocyanine Green angiography helped to pinpoint PCV, and thus to study the efficacy of photodynamic therapy of this particular form of retinal disease, which is more frequently encountered among pigmented individuals. The results appear to be quite promising, and in the year following treatment only a small fraction of the patients had to be retreated. Alternatively, treating PCV with repeated intravitreal VEGF blocking agents was not as successful as it was in the treatment of wet AMD. However, combining PDT-induced angio-occlusion of the polypoidal lesions with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy was shown to be quite effective, and the combination of PDT with an anti-angiogenic agent as well as a steroid, in a triple therapy, was recently also shown to be a quite promising option. In the present article we review the data on PDT of PCV, including combination therapies and alternative treatments. We also report on similarities and differences between AMD and PCV.     

Photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology -     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treatment: 3-year results in Taiwan

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the treatment efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for patients suffered from polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.MethodsIn this retrospective comparative study, we included 25 eyes of 25 patients with macula-involved polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. All patients had follow-up of more than 3 years. We compared the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) scale at each follow-up time points with initial baseline BCVA. We also investigated the factors influencing final BCVA at the 36-month follow-up time point.ResultsAt 6 months, the mean BCVA improved from 0.77 to 0.68 (p = 0.024). All the mean BCVAs after the 6-month follow-up time points were still better than baseline mean BCVA, but the improvements were not significant statistically. The mean BCVAs became 0.68, 0.74, 0.75, 0.73, and 0.72 respectively at 12-month, 18-month, 24-month, 30-month, and 36-month follow-up time points. Better initial BCVA (p = 0.012) and smaller lesion size (p = 0.031) significantly predicted the better final visual improvement at 36 months rather than sex (p = 0.7) and age (p = 0.206).ConclusionAlthough the visual improvement after treatment of PDT with verteporfin was only temporarily significant, the prevention of visual deterioration in these patients persisted during a 3-year follow-up. Better initial BCVA and smaller lesion size were significant factors influencing final visual improvement, and early treatment might be suggested.     

Exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and photodynamic therapy with verteporfin

PURPOSE: To report two cases of exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treated by photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. DESIGN: Interventional case reports. METHODS: Two patients, a man aged 58 years and a woman aged 57 years, with recent visual impairment in the right eye (OD) (both eyes best-corrected visual acuity: 10/50 and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity 1.35 and 1.20) and angiographically proved subfoveal idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy were treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis SA, Rueil Malmaison, France). Functional and angiographic outcomes were assessed 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: In Patient 1, 3 months after treatment, best-corrected visual acuity and contrast sensitivity improved (10/16 and 1.50) and then remained stable throughout the 12 months after treatment. In Patient 2, 6 weeks after treatment, vision and contrast sensitivity were 10/20 and 1.35; and at 3 months, were improved and stabilized at 10/12.5 and 1.50. Angiographically, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin was associated with nonperfusion and occlusion of the exudative polypoidal dilations. No acute recurrence was noted during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: In subfoveal exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin may be associated with beneficial functional results.     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for symptomatic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: one-year results of a prospective case series

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin as a treatment for symptomatic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). DESIGN: Prospective consecutive, 2-centered, noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one Asian patients with 22 eyes presenting with serosanguinous maculopathy due to PCV and an initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or worse were recruited prospectively. All patients had angiographic leakage seen on fluorescein angiograms (FAs) and features of PCV seen with indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. METHODS: Intravenous infusion of verteporfin at a dose of 6 mg/m(2) of body surface area over 10 minutes was administered. Five minutes after the completion of infusion, a 689-nm laser was applied for 83 seconds, with a light dose of 50 J/cm(2). The laser spot size was chosen to cover the polyps and the surrounding abnormally dilated choroidal vessels shown on ICG angiography plus an extra 1000-microm margin. Photodynamic therapy retreatment was performed if leakage from the polyps was found on both repeat FAs and ICG angiography at regular 3-month follow-up intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The proportion of eyes with stable or improved vision at a 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included change in mean BCVA and the changes in clinical and angiographic features in FAs and ICG angiography. The total number of PDT sessions and any complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Stable or improved vision was achieved in 21 (95%) of the 22 eyes at the 1-year follow-up. Ten (45%) eyes had a moderate gain in vision (improved by > or =3 lines), whereas 1 (5%) eye suffered a moderate visual loss (decrease by > or =3 lines). The mean BCVA improved from a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution(logMAR) of 0.73 to 0.60, an equivalent of 1.3 lines of improvement. The change in logMAR BCVA at 12 months was statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, P = 0.009). Complete absence of leakage in FAs and total regression of the polyps in ICG angiography were observed in 20 (91%) and 21 (95%) eyes, respectively. Severe loss of vision due to massive subretinal hemorrhage occurred in 1 eye; otherwise, there were no other serious treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The 1-year results of PDT in treating PCV of the macular type with serosanguinous presentations are encouraging. Further studies with longer follow-up and randomized controlled trials are warranted to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of PDT relative to observation or other treatment modalities.     

Long-term follow-up of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy after photodynamic therapy with verteporfin

Purpose To report on the clinical features of three cases of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) during long-term follow-up after photodynamic therapy (PDT). Design Interventional case reports. Methods Among the participants in the Japanese Age-Related Macular Degeneration Trial (JAT) at our hospital, a PCV was seen in three eyes at baseline on retrospective analysis of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) using fundus camera. We report the clinical features of these cases during more than 4 years follow-up. Results The mean number of PDT treatments was 5.7. Improved visual acuity (VA) and cessation of fluorescein leakage was achieved within 18 months in all eyes; however, subretinal hemorrhage and subfoveal fluid recurred due to new or recurrent PCV. The final VA decreased markedly in two eyes. Conclusions The eyes with PCV, which had been treated successfully with PDT, may have developed new or recurrent PCV during long-term follow-up. Periodical ICGA would be needed to detect abnormal choroidal vascular changes. The authors have no proprietary interest in any aspect of this report.     

维替泊芬光动力疗法治疗息肉状脉络膜血管病变的随访观察

目的 观察维替泊芬光动力疗法(photodynamic therapy,PDT)对息肉状脉络膜血管病变(polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy,PCV)的1年治疗效果.方法 9例(10只眼)经眼底彩照、荧光素眼底血管造影(fundus fluorescein angiography,FFA)和吲哚青绿血管造影(indocyanine green angiography,ICGA)确诊的PCV患者,进行常规的PDT治疗,治疗后随访第2周、1月、3月、6月、1年,观察治疗前后的视力、眼底彩照、FFA和(或)ICGA.结果 PDT治疗后1年视力提高3只眼,视力稳定6只眼,1只眼PDT治疗后出血吸收第2月复发黄斑区出血视力下降;1只眼治疗后第2周出现严重视网膜下出血,随访后渐吸收,其余患眼底出血、渗出均吸收消失.第3个月造影检查渗漏停止7只眼,3只眼轻微渗漏,末次随访3只眼仍轻微渗漏.PDT治疗过程无一例出现严重全身并发症.结论 PDT是一种安全有效的PCV治疗方法,可以短期内减轻或封闭异常血管的渗漏,促进出血、渗出吸收,稳定或提高患者视力,个别患者治疗后出现严重网膜下出血能自行吸收.

Abstract：

Objective To observe prospectively one-year's effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT)with verteporfin in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods Nine patients (10 eyes) diagnosed as PCV according to fundus color, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed PDT. Visual acuity, Fundus appearance, FFA and/or ICGA were compared before PDT, and then at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months afier PDT.Results One year after the PDT, visual acuity was improved in 3 eyes and stabilized in 6 eyes. Visual acuity in one eye decreased again because of recurred macular bleeding. Massive subretinal hemorthage in one eye appeared two weeks after PDT and absorbed during the period of follow-up. The bleeding and exudates in the last 8 eyes were absorbed during the follow-up. At the 3 months, FFA and/or ICGA showed no Ieakage in 7 eyes, slight leakage in 3 eyes and still leakage at the final follow-up. No systemic adverse effect was found during and after PDT. Conclusions PDT offers an effective and safe way of treating PCV. PDT may relieve or stop vascular leakage, promote the elimination of the retinal hemorrhage and exudates, improve or stable the visual acuity. Massive retinal hemorrhage after PDT appears and absorbs in individual patients.     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for peripapillary choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in the management of symptomatic extrafoveal peripapillary choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: Seven eyes of seven patients with symptomatic peripapillary CNV underwent visual acuity testing, ophthalmic examination, color photography, and fluorescein angiography to evaluate the results of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. Patients were offered treatment following the development of hemorrhage, subretinal fluid, or lipid if it was associated with visual symptoms. A standard nomogram was used to dose Visudyne, application was performed in three separate 30-second zones confluent over the extent of the lesion. The light dose per unit area applied to the retina was approximately 18 J/cm. RESULTS: Five of the seven had CNV limited to the peripapillary area associated with age-related macular degeneration; the remaining two eyes had presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome. In five of the seven eyes, two treatments were needed and in two eyes only one treatment was necessary to elicit resolution of active leakage. Retreatment was performed at an average of 76 days after initial treatment. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from 20/20 to 20/150. Final BCVA ranged from 20/20 to 20/80. In all eyes except for one, which had a pretreatment vision of 20/20, at least two lines of Snellen visual acuity improvement were achieved. Resolution of submacular fluid, hemorrhage, or exudates was noted in six eyes; in the remaining eye there was persistence of subretinal lipid. There were no complications including optic neuropathy in any of the treated eyes. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 13.5 months following last treatment (mean, 10 months). CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for extrafoveal symptomatic peripapillary CNV appears to be effective in improving vision and promoting the resolution of subfoveal exudates, hemorrhage, or fluid. A randomized controlled study with longer follow-up is justified.     

Photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: Baseline perimetric results and visual outcomes

Purpose  

To investigate whether the baseline mean deviation (MD) of Humphrey perimetry has a predictive value for visual improvement after photodynamic therapy (PDT) for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).     

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and photodynamic therapy with verteporfin

Background We evaluated, in a nonrandomised, institutional, prospective study, the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and subfoveal exudation. Methods A prospective clinical and angiographic study was done in 40 consecutive eyes with PCV treated with PDT using masked best-corrected visual acuity (VA) and fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographic features at baseline and over 2 years. Results Twenty-one eyes completed 1-year follow-up and showed, after a mean 2.9 PDT sessions, VA improvement in 12 eyes, no change in five eyes, and VA decrease in four eyes. Leakage was absent at the retinal and choroidal level in 14 eyes at 1 year. Recurrence occurred in one eye during the first year. Six eyes completed 2 years of follow-up and showed, after a mean 4 PDT sessions, VA improvement in five eyes and VA decrease in one eye. Leakage was absent at the retinal and choroidal level in five eyes. Recurrence occurred in four of these six eyes during the second year of follow-up. No serious adverse events were observed during the 2 years of follow-up. Conclusions PDT with verteporfin was shown to be safe and effective for treating AMD eyes with PCV with subfoveal involvement. VA improvement and absence of leakage were achieved, respectively, in 57.1% and 66.6% of the eyes at 1 year. Recurrences were more frequent during the second year of follow-up.     

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.