Verteporfin photodynamic therapy of six eyes with retinal capillary haemangioma

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: e334–e340

Abstract.

Purpose: Single‐centre consecutive interventional case series by retrospective chart review to evaluate the efficacy of verteporfin (Visudyne?) photodynamic therapy (PDT) of retinal capillary haemangioma (RCH). Methods: Following an initial period of observation, six eyes of five patients with RCH (juxtapapillary 3 and extrapapillary (EP) 3) received 1–3 sessions of standard verteporfin PDT upon the development of progressive vision‐threatening complications. Four of the five patients had von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) disease. Follow‐up included documentation of best‐corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA), tumour regression, and presence or absence of subretinal fluid (SRF) and/or lipid exudation as assessed by dilated fundus examination (DFE), fundus photos, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). These parameters were documented at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following each PDT session and up to 32 months following the first PDT. Results: All eyes showed favourable response to PDT as defined by tumour regression or stabilization as well as improvement of SRF and lipid exudation. BCVA improved or stabilized in three eyes. Three eyes required PDT retreatment for recurrent SRF. Epiretinal membrane (ERM) worsened in three eyes, requiring vitreoretinal surgery at a median of 6 months following PDT. Conclusions: PDT is a moderately effective treatment for juxtapapillary and EP RCH. In this series, PDT resulted in tumour regression or stabilization as well as in the improvement of SRF and lipid exudation in all cases. However, stabilization or improvement of visual acuity was observed in only 50 per cent of the cases. The treatment benefits may be limited by pre‐existing macular changes and worsening of ERM. A larger prospective study is necessary to validate these findings.     

25-Gauge Vitrectomy Combined with Half-Fluence Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Juxtapapillary Retinal Capillary Hemangioma: A Case Report

A rare case of juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma (JRCH) with tractional macular detachment that was managed successfully with minimally invasive 25-gauge vitreoretinal surgery, followed by two sessions of half-fluence photodynamic treatment (PDT) with good visual outcome, is presented. A 13-year-old female patient had progressive deterioration of the vision of her right eye due to the presence of tractional macular detachment associated with JRCH in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. A 25-gauge sutureless vitreoretinal surgery was successfully performed. Two months following surgery, the JRCH was treated with two sessions of half-fluence PDT at an interval of 4 months. Visual acuity improved from a preoperative level of 20/50 to 20/25 24 months postoperatively. Resolution of the tractional macular detachment, reduction of papillomacular area fluid, and reduction in size of the JRCH were observed during the follow-up period. No serious adverse events were observed. Small-gauge vitreoretinal surgery followed by PDT can be effective and safe in relieving tractional macular detachment and recovering useful visual acuity in JRCH in VHL disease.Key words: 25-Gauge vitrectomy, Juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma, Photodynamic treatment, von Hippel-Lindau disease     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin to induce regression of aggressive retinal astrocytomas

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin on symptomatic, aggressive retinal astrocytomas. Methods: A prospective, interventional study in a tertiary referral centre. Two patients were treated with a single session of PDT using the standard parameters of the Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy (VIP) study: a 34‐year‐old man whose previously stationary juxtapapillary retinal astrocytoma, secondary to tuberous sclerosis, progressed within 7 months to involve the foveola; and a 68‐year‐old man whose acquired retinal astrocytoma progressed over 18 months in spite of standard photocoagulation. Both tumours were vascularized and had caused secondary lipid exudation and an exudative retinal detachment. Outcome measures were visual acuity, resorption of subretinal fluid, tumour height and fluorescein angiography. Results: The progressing, vascularized part of both retinal astrocytomas regressed, with little change in the poorly vascularized, stationary part of the congenital hamartoma. Visual acuity improved in the first patient and was unchanged in the second by 3 months, with stable vision in both and no sign of recurrence at 2 years. The exudative retinal detachments resolved completely. Tumour height reduced a median of 30%. Regression was associated with obliteration of tumour vessels within the progressing part of the lesion, with closure of some of the dilated retinal capillaries over the tumour. Intraretinal microvascular abnormalities and scattered haemorrhages appeared outside the treated area in the first patient. Conclusion: PDT with verteporfin can induce regression of progressive, vascularized, aggressive retinal astrocytomas and may prevent typical progression to total retinal detachment and enucleation, whether the astrocytoma is associated with tuberous sclerosis or not. PDT may be considered a first‐line treatment for aggressive retinal astrocytomas.     

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 for retinal capillary hemangioma

Purpose

To describe the results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for juxtapapillary and peripheral retinal capillary hemangioma (RCH).

Patients and methods

Interventional case series of four eyes (four patients) with juxtapapillary RCH and one eye (one patient) with peripheral RCH. Two eyes with juxtapapillary RCH had received two sessions of full-fluence, double-duration PDT; whereas other two eyes had received single session of half-fluence, single-duration PDT. The peripheral RCH was treated with a single session of full-fluence, single-duration PDT.

Results

Two patients had von Hippel–Lindau disease. Follow-up duration ranged from 4 months to 1 year. Pre-PDT visual acuity (VA) ranged from 20/200 to HM (juxtapapillary RCH) and 20/100 (peripheral RCH). Among the eyes with juxtapapillary RCH, tumor regression with partial resolution of macular edema was noted in two eyes (one eye each with half-fluence and full-fluence PDT), whereas two eyes had no change in tumor size with persistent macular edema. VA remained stable in three eyes and declined in one eye. In an eye with peripheral RCH, regression of tumor and macular edema with VA improvement was noted. Post-PDT complications included epiretinal membrane (one eye) and transient exudative retinal detachment (one eye).

Conclusion

PDT can be effective in reducing macular edema associated with RCH but this does not always correspond with an improvement in VA especially for juxtapapillary tumors.     

光动力疗法治疗孤立性脉络膜血管瘤

目的探讨光动力疗法（PDT）治疗孤立性脉络膜血管瘤的临床效果及安全性。方法孤立性脉络膜血管瘤患者5例,均经眼底检查、荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）及彩色超声多普勒（CDI）检查确诊。其中4例伴有渗出性视网膜脱离和黄斑水肿。患者最佳矫正视力为0．02-0．8,CDI检查瘤体最大厚度为2．8-5．4mm,最大直径6．5-12．5mm。经PDT治疗后,患者随访时间为13-56周。结果所有患者均经1次PDT治疗后,渗出性视网膜脱离完全吸收,视力均稳定和提高。最终随访,患者最佳矫正视力为0．2-0．9。结论PDT治疗孤立性脉络膜血管瘤特别是位于黄斑部的脉络膜血管瘤的效果好且安全,可使瘤体萎缩并保存或提高患者视力。     

Ocular photodynamic therapy for serous macular detachment in the diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy variant of idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomical and functional outcome of verteporfin ocular photodynamic therapy (PDT) in serous retinal detachment caused by the diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy form of chronic idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHOD: A 48-year-old Caucasian man with unilateral exudative retinal detachment from diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy and visual acuity of 20/40 was managed with verteporfin PDT applied sequentially in three separate spots targeting all retinal pigment epithelium leaks identified with intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA). Outcome measures included visual acuity, biomicroscopic appearance, and leakage on IVFA.Clinical practice.Subretinal fluid resolved within 2 weeks; visual acuity returned to 20/20 with no recurrence at 6 months of follow-up. There was no leakage on IVFA posttreatment and no obvious toxicity.To our knowledge, this is the first report of PDT causing resolution of macular detachment in diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy. Its long-term results with regard to the prognosis of the disease and the recurrence rate remain to be evaluated.     

Follow-up of proliferation of juxtapapillary retinal pigment epithelium

Purpose: Bengin proliferation of the juxtapapillary retinal pigment epithelium is a rare but important tumor because it may be mistaken for a malignant lesion such as choroidal melanoma. Case report: A 9-year-old male patient consulted our clinic first in 1991 because of a reduction in visual acuity due to a tumor of the optic nerve head in the left eye. Visual acuity was 1.0 in the right eye and 0.2 in the left eye. Slit lamp examination and intraocular pressure were regular in both eyes. Kinetic perimetry showed a enlarged blind spot besides regular isopters. Funduscopy revealed a pigmented, ill-defined prominence of the optic nerve head with a mossy surface. In annual examinations were found a slowly progredient reduction in visual acuity up to 0.04 durning the last visit in January 2000 as well as a enlargement of the blind spot due to an increasing prominence and pigmentation of the optic nerve head. Because of the clincal aspect, the slowly progressive course, the enlargement of the blind spot with deterioration of vision and especially the florescein angiography, which revealed peripapillary capillary alterations with leakage, we diagnosed a proliferation of the juxtapapillary retinal pigment epithelium. Conclusion: The proliferation of the juxtapapillary retinal pigment epithelium can be differentiated from other pigmented tumors of the optic nerve head by its typical clinical aspect and course and especially by using flourescein angiography.     

Juxtapapillary capillary hemangioma and central serous retinopathy: description of a case with spontaneous resolution

CASE REPORT: A patient presented with a unilateral decrease of visual acuity and was found to have a juxtapapillary capillary hemangioma by ophthalmoscopy (confirmed by fluorescein angiography) and atrophy in the retinal pigmentary epithelium with leakage points suggesting bilateral central serous retinopathy. Spontaneous resolution of the hemangioma, as well as the central serous retinopathy, subsequently occurred. DISCUSSION: The decrease of visual acuity in a patient with a juxtapapillary capillary hemangioma has been associated with complications from the lesion itself, but an association of central serous retinopathy, as a possible predisposing factor, has not been previously described.     

Diffuse choroidal haemangioma in Sturge–Weber syndrome treated with photodynamic therapy under general anaesthesia

Purpose To report the treatment outcome of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT) for exudative retinal detachment associated with diffuse choroidal haemangioma in Sturge–Weber syndrome.Methods An interventional case report of a 12-year-old girl with Sturge–Weber syndrome who developed an exudative retinal detachment (visual acuity 20/400) that was treated with PDT under general anaesthesia. PDT was performed according to the standard (macular degeneration) protocol, using three nonoverlapping spots of 4,000 m.Results Subretinal fluid resolved completely over a period of 5 months and visual acuity increased to 20/50. No side effects of the PDT treatment were encountered during 9 months follow-up.Conclusion In our patient PDT with verteporfin effectively resolved the exudative retinal detachment associated with a diffuse choroidal haemangioma. Resolution of subretinal fluid occurred over several months without retreatment. We noted no side effects of the combination PDT and general anaesthesia, nor did we encounter ocular side effects of the treatment.     

Photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration in a clinical setting: visual results and angiographic patterns

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcome of patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration, who received photodynamic therapy (PTD) in a clinical setting and to identify potential predictive visual and angiographic factors. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: The study included 74 patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization who underwent PDT from January 2000 to March 2001 and completed at least 1 year follow-up. All patients received verteporfin PDT and were followed clinically, with fluorescein angiography (74 eyes), and with indocyanine green angiography (65 eyes). A review of the medical records and angiograms was performed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 15.6 months. Patients received a mean of 3.4 treatments per year. Sixty-six percent lost less than 3 Snellen lines of visual acuity. Three patients (4%) experienced profound visual acuity loss to finger counting. Final visual acuity was positively correlated with lesion size and visual acuity at presentation. Visual outcome was worse in the presence of cystoid macular edema. On indocyanine green angiography, a round hypofluorescent spot was seen at the site of the PDT, with maintenance of medium and large choroidal vessels. CONCLUSION: Smaller lesion size and better visual acuity at presentation were good predictive signs, whereas cystoid macular edema was found to be a poor prognostic sign for visual outcome following PDT.     

Photodynamic Therapy for Age-related Macular Degeneration

PrefaceAge鄄relatedmaculardegeneration(AMD)isanimportantchallengetoophthalmologistsinthe21stcentury.Worldwide,itisthemostcom鄄moncauseoflegalblindnessamongindividualsolderthan60years[1].ItisknownthatseverevisionlossinmajorityofpatientswithAMDisduotochoroidalneovascularization(CNV).Laserphot鄄ocoagulationistheonlylong鄄termtreatmentoptionforneovascularAMDandisindicatedforextrafovealorjuxtafoveallesion.Inthesecaseslasertreatmentcancauseirreversibledamagetotheretinalpigmentepitheliumandsens…     

Successful treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation by photodynamic therapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe a patient with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) treated successfully by photodynamic therapy. METHODS: A 74-year-old white woman was referred to our clinic for evaluation as a result of progressive decrease of vision in the right eye. Visual acuity was 20/100 in the affected right eye. The findings of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were consistent with a diagnosis of RAP, and cystoid macular edema was also revealed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was carried out because of visual deterioration and localization of the RAP. RESULTS: The RAP was treated with PDT, and an improvement in visual acuity to 20/60 was noted 4 months after treatment and 20/40 after 6 months. The resolution of the lesion was confirmed by fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and OCT. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy can be effective for the treatment of RAP when it is associated with visual acuity decrease and is located near the fovea.     

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.     

Best vitelliform macular dystrophy in a Swedish family: genetic analysis and a seven‐year follow‐up of photodynamic treatment of a young boy with choroidal neovascularization

Purpose: To determine the mutation in a Swedish family with Best disease (vitelliform macular dystrophy; VMD) and to investigate the short‐ and long‐term effects of photodynamic treatment (PDT) on subretinal neovascularization in a young boy. Methods: The five members of three generations of a family with VMD underwent a thorough ophthalmological examination, including best‐corrected visual acuity (VA), visual field, colour vision, biomicroscopy of the posterior segment (dilated), fundus photography and electro‐oculography (EOG). For the proband, an eleven‐year‐old boy, his father and grandfather, dark adaptation test, angiography and electroretinography (ERG) were also performed. After PCR amplification, the genotype was determined by cleavage with restriction enzyme, specific for the W93C allele. Results: Four family members had an abnormal EOG response. All showed the W93C mutation in the VMD2 gene. Visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/250. The fundus manifestations varied from minor pigmentary changes over egg yolk‐like lesions to chorioretinal atrophy, and fluorescein angiography showed corresponding pathology. In the proband, VA decreased during follow‐up from 0.5 (20/40) to 0.08 (20/250) due to a subfoveal neovascularization with haemorrhage, and PDT with visudyne was begun. The haemorrhage resolved within 2 months, and after three treatments, VA had increased to 0.25 (20/80). One year later, acuity had improved to 0.5 (20/40), and this result was stable throughout the 7 years of the follow‐up. Conclusion: The mutation was determined to be W93C, the most common mutation in VMD in Sweden. In an eleven‐year‐old boy with subretinal neovascularization, PDT seemed to be beneficial also in a long‐term follow‐up.     

光动力疗法联合玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗治疗息肉样脉络膜血管病变疗效观察

目的 观察光动力疗法（PDT）联合玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗治疗息肉样脉络膜血管病变（PCV）的安全性和有效性。方法 回顾性系列病例研究。临床确诊为PCV的患者24例24只眼纳入研究。所有患者均行视力、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。视力检查采用糖尿病视网膜病变早期治疗研究组视力表进行。患者治疗前平均视力为（33.41±19.43）个字母,平均黄斑视网膜厚度（CRT）为（343.63±88.60） μm。所有患者先行常规PDT治疗,72 h后玻璃体腔注射10 mg/ml的雷珠单抗0.05 ml（含雷珠单抗0.5 mg）。根据检查情况确定是否需要重复行单独玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗或PDT联合玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗治疗。治疗后平均随访时间为13.1个月。观察统计每只眼的平均治疗次数、患者并发症及全身不良反应的发生情况。对比分析治疗前后患者视力和CRT的变化,以及黄斑区出血及渗出、PCV病灶的渗漏情况。结果 每只眼平均重复玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗治疗次数为(2.8±1.6)次,平均重复联合治疗次数为(0.4±0.5)次。所有患眼均未出现与治疗相关的并发症和全身不良反应。末次随访时,患眼视力为（44.21±17.24）个字母,较治疗前平均提高10.8个字母。治疗前后视力比较,差异有统计学意义（t=-4.77,P＜0.01）。24只眼中,视力提高11只眼,占45.8%;视力稳定13只眼,占54.2%。眼底检查发现,黄斑区出血、渗出完全吸收7只眼,占29.2%;黄斑区出血、渗出明显减轻17只眼,占70.8%。FFA及ICGA检查发现,荧光渗漏停止17只眼,占70.8%;仍有轻微荧光渗漏7只眼,占29.2%。OCT检查发现,视网膜下积液消退19只眼,占79.2%;视网膜下积液减轻5只眼,占20.8%。患者平均CRT为（171.33±38.06） μm,较治疗前平均降低172.30 μm。治疗前后平均CRT比较,差异有统计学意义（t=11.96,P＜0.05）。结论 PDT联合玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗治疗PCV安全有效,可提高患者视力,减轻视网膜水肿,停止或减少PCV病灶渗漏。     

Retinal angiomatous proliferation responds safely to a double dose (1.0 mg) of ranibizumab

A 77‐year‐old man presented with sudden foggy central vision in the right eye. The visual acuity (VA) was 6/60 (R) and 6/6 (L). Funduscopy revealed superficial macular haemorrhage in the right eye. Using fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography, retinal angiomatous proliferation was confirmed. Two intra‐vitreal injections of bevacizumab were given but the VA did not improve. Following this, he received an intra‐vitreal injection of ranibizumab. Regression of the retinal angiomatous proliferation was observed and the VA of the right eye returned to 6/10. Simultaneously, his left eye suffered from sudden visual loss and retinal angiomatous proliferation was diagnosed. Three intra‐vitreal injections of ranibizumab were given. Regression of the retinal angiomatous proliferation was observed and the VA of the left eye was stabilised. Another 80‐year‐old man complained of sudden distorted vision in his left eye. Funduscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed superficial macular haemorrhage and retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED). The VA was 6/12 and retinal angiomatous proliferation was diagnosed. He received an intra‐vitreous injection of bevacizumab followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The RPED was resolved; however, the VA dropped to 2/60. Optical coherent tomography, fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were used to indentify retinal angiomatous proliferation. Intra‐vitreal injection(s) of a double dose (1 mg) of ranibizumab is a worthwhile treatment, as it can stabilise and even improve the VA without significant side effects.     

Evolution of a juxtapapillary von Hippel-Lindau tumour examined by optical coherence tomography

Purpose: The aim was to report the evolution of a case of von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) juxtapapillary retinal capillary haemangioblastoma (RCH) by optical coherence tomography (OCT3). Case report: The progress of a 24‐year‐old man suffering from VHL disease with a juxtapapillary haemangioblastoma and a small peripheral lesion was followed for 26.4 months with fundus photographs and OCT of the optic nerve head using the optic nerve head rim volume, ranging from 1.106 to 1.895 mm³. Visual acuity remained 6/6 throughout. Conclusions: OCT can be a useful tool in the follow up and decision‐making of patients with small retinal capillary haemangioblastoma of the optic nerve.     

Retinal capillary hemangioma treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy

PURPOSE: To describe a case of exudative retinal capillary hemangioma treated with photodynamic therapy that resulted in an improvement in clinical appearance and visual acuity. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 55-year-old Asian man presented with a large exudative peripheral retinal capillary hemangioma of the left eye causing serous retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema, and a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200. The hemangioma was treated with three successive sessions of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT). RESULTS: With 10 months of follow-up after the initial treatment, involution of the hemangioma, reduction of subretinal fluid, and improvement of best-corrected visual acuity to 20/80 was seen. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy may be an effective treatment option in select cases of exudative retinal capillary hemangioma.     

Retinal artery occlusion following intravitreal anti‐VEGF therapy

Purpose: Anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) therapy effectively inhibits angiogenesis and is now enjoying widespread use in the treatment of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). It may also have a role in the treatment of macular oedema secondary to other conditions. VEGF is a signalling molecule that has a variety of roles, including vasoregulation and effects on the coagulation homeostasis. Anti‐VEGF therapy may therefore have adverse effects on ocular blood flow. Methods: Two cases of retinal artery occlusion after intravitreal injection of anti‐VEGF are presented. Both patients were given the treatment to reduce macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. Possible mechanisms are discussed. Results: Patient 1 developed a central retinal artery occlusion within 1 month of an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (Lucentis^®). The macular oedema was totally resolved at 1 month; final visual acuity (VA) was light perception. Patient 2 developed a branch retinal artery occlusion in the macula 2 days after an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin^®). The macular oedema was almost resolved within 1 week and did not recur; final VA was 0.6. Conclusions: Anti‐VEGF therapy may have a role in the treatment of macular oedema caused by central retinal vein occlusions. However, our report indicates that the therapeutic principle may be associated with an increased risk of retinal arterial occlusions.