Verteporfin therapy for choroidal hemangioma: a long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND: To document the long-term follow-up of patients with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma who were treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: Fifteen patients were included in a prospective interventional case series. Verteporfin PDT as a bolus infusion of 6 mg/m body surface area and a light dose of 100 J/cm at 689 nm applied over 166 seconds were administered. Standardized evaluation was performed every 3 months within the first year and at 12-month intervals during follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, all patients presented with significant vision loss ranging from 20/26 to 20/500. During a mean follow-up of 36.6 months (range, 12-66 months), no patient had evidence of recurrence. Mean final visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/400. In all patients, complete and permanent regression with no signs of tumor regrowth or recurring subretinal fluid was found. Of 15 patients, 13 had a substantial increase in visual acuity (range, 2-9 lines), and 2 patients' visual acuity remained stable. Chorioretinal atrophy at the previous tumor site did not enlarge over time. Retreatments after completion of the primary treatment were not necessary. CONCLUSION: Persistent and complete absence of choroidal hemangioma associated with persistent improvement in visual acuity and central visual fields can be obtained with verteporfin PDT.     

Photodynamic therapy of circumscribed choroidal haemangioma

AIM: To evaluate efficacy of verteporfin ocular photodynamic therapy (PDT) in treatment of 10 patients with a symptomatic circumscribed choroidal haemangioma. DESIGN: Prospective non-randomised, interventional case series and critical review of previously published studies. METHODS: 10 consecutive patients (seven primary, two failed transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT), and one failed external beam radiotherapy) with symptomatic circumscribed choroidal haemangioma were treated using verteporfin 6 mg/m2 given as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes. Diode laser (690 nm) with an intensity of 600 mW/cm2 for 83 seconds (50 J/cm2) was applied 5 minutes after completion of infusion. Single or multiple partially overlapping spots were applied based on the tumour basal dimensions. Periodic follow up with ophthalmoscopy, ultrasonography, and angiographic studies was performed. RESULTS: All 10 patients showed evidence of regression with flattening of tumour, resolution of subretinal fluid, and reduction of choroidal vasculature on angiograms. The visual acuity either improved or remained stable in eight (80%) patients. Visual loss due to delayed choroidal atrophy was seen in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although verteporfin PDT is an effective treatment for management of symptomatic circumscribed choroidal haemangioma, delayed treatment related effects can lead to visual loss.     

Photodynamic therapy of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in treatment of posterior pole symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four patients (3 men and 1 woman), 15-55 years old (mean age: 29 years) with circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas of the posterior pole, were examined. The hemangiomas localization were subfoveal in one patient, extrafoveal in 2 cases, and juxtapapillar in one case. The diagnosis of choroidal hemangioma was established on the base of clinical examination, A and B--scan ultrasound imaging, Doppler ultrasonography, fluorescein and indocyanine angiography results. Tumour thickness before treatment ranged from 2.3-3.6 mm (mean thickness: 2.8 mm). One course of PDT with verteporfin was performed in 3 cases, while in one patient PDT was performed four times. RESULTS: In a follow-up period which range from 3 to 14 months (mean 5.7 months) all cases demonstrated clinical features of lesion regression with a reduction of thickness on ultrasonography and choroidal vasculature on angiograms. Visual acuity was improved in 3 patients (from 1 to 4 lines on Snellen charts), or remained stable in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results indicate that PDT with verteporfin is a safe and effective method of treatment for circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas, especially in patients with posterior pole location of the tumour.     

Transpupillary thermotherapy in the management of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma

PURPOSE: To report a case of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma effectively managed with transpupillary thermotherapy. METHOD: A 53-year-old man affected by extramacular circumscribed choroidal hemangioma had sustained a decline in visual acuity caused by subretinal fluid exudation into the macular area. Multiple attempts at treatment with scatter photocoagulation over the surface of the lesion for several years had been unsuccessful in reducing tumor-related exudation. The patient was examined on referral and underwent a single session of treatment employing transpupillary thermotherapy. The course of the lesion after treatment was documented with fundus photography and ultrasonography. RESULT: Complete atrophy of the choroidal hemangioma with resorption of subretinal fluid was documented over the 6 months after transpupillary thermotherapy, with improvement in visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Transpupillary thermotherapy is an effective alternative to conventional scatter photocoagulation or radiation therapy for precise ablation of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in mallatia leventinese

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of a patient with documented genetic mallatia leventinese who developed a classic choroidal neovascular membrane and underwent photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne; CIBA Vision Corp., Duluth, GA). DESIGN: Interventional case report. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation and fluorescein angiography. Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and angiographic records were analyzed for evidence of changes in visual acuity, clinically evident subretinal fluid and the extent of fluorescein leakage from choroidal neovascularization (CNV). RESULTS: Three weeks after treatment, a fluorescein angiogram showed closure of the neovascular membrane, no evident subretinal fluid was seen, and visual acuity had improved from 20/60- to 20/40. Nine weeks after the application, fluorescein angiography demonstrated a microscopic hyperfluorescent spot at the site of the previously active CNV at which a small area of shallow subretinal fluid was observed, and visual acuity was 20/50. Thirty-four weeks after PDT, visual acuity was 20/60, subretinal fluid resolved, and fluorescein angiography did not show any further changes. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin may be considered as a possible treatment in patients with mallatia leventinese who develop classic CNV.     

Anatomic and visual acuity outcomes following thermal laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma with associated serous retinal detachment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study reports and compares the anatomic and visual acuity outcomes of patients treated with either thermal laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma with associated serous retinal detachment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series of patients treated for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. RESULTS: Thirteen of 23 patients (57%) treated with thermal laser photocoagulation exhibited complete resolution of subretinal fluid, 6 (26%) had partial resolution of subretinal fluid, and 4 (17%) had persistent subretinal fluid despite therapy. At 3 months posttreatment, visual acuity was improved in 6 (26%), stable in 13 (57%), and worsened in 4 (17%) of 23 patients. All 5 patients who underwent photodynamic therapy had complete resolution of subretinal fluid. At 3 months posttreatment, visual acuity improved in 4 (80%), remained stable in 1 (20%), and worsened in 0 (0%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy shows similar if not better anatomic and visual acuity results than thermal laser photocoagulation when treating symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.     

Circumscribed choroidal hemangioma treated with photodynamic therapy

CLINICAL CASE: A 45-year-old male referred with a scotoma in the left eye of 2 months' evolution. A peripapillary tumor was found, with a basal diameter of 7 mm and thickness 3.4 mm. It was diagnosed as a circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. It was decided to treat the patient using photodynamic therapy. After 4 sessions and 17 months follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic and visual acuity was stable. There was evidence of subretinal fibrosis and no subretinal fluid was found. DISCUSSION: Photodynamic therapy is a good option for the treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma given the minimal damage is causes to the adjacent retina.     

PDT治疗前后脉络膜新生血管的光学相干断层扫描观察

目的利用光学相干断层扫描(OCT)观察光动力学治疗(PDT)黄斑脉络膜新生血管(CNV)前后CNV的组织形态变化,以评价PDT的疗效。方法回顾性分析从2004年5月至2005年6月在我院接受PDT治疗的各类CNV患者34例38眼,对治疗前后CNV的OCT形态特征进行评估和分类。结果PDT治疗后的OCT形态特征可分为5型。I型:急性炎症反应,有4眼,平均出现于PDT后26h;II型:黄斑中心凹结构基本恢复正常,视网膜下积液吸收,有38眼,平均出现于PDT后2.8w;III型:视网膜下积液重新出现伴纤维化,根据积液与纤维化程度又可分为IIIa/IIIb。IIIa:视网膜下积液为主,有8眼,平均出现时间为PDT后1.7m;IIIb:视网膜下纤维化30眼,平均出现时间PDT后1.9m;IV型:黄斑囊样水肿伴视网膜下纤维化有3眼,于PDT后平均4.9m出现。V型视网膜下纤维化伴萎缩有8眼,于PDT后平均8.1m出现。结论OCT可用于动态观察PDT后CNV的形态变化,根据分型可协助制订治疗方案,IIIa型代表CNV复发,可能需再次PDT治疗,而IIIb和IV型则可随访观察。     

组合光斑光动力疗法治疗孤立性脉络膜血管瘤的疗效和安全性观察

目的 观察组合光斑光动力疗法(PDT)治疗孤立性脉络膜血管瘤的疗效和安全性.方法 为回顾性系列病例研究.经眼底镜、荧光素眼底血管造影、眼底彩色照相及B超检查,确诊孤立性脉络膜血管瘤患者10例,均只行一次组合光斑PDT治疗.术前最佳矫正视力为眼前数指至0.3,B超检查肿瘤最大直线距离为5.5～9.9 mm,平均6.8 mm;最大厚度1.1～3.8 mm,平均2.7 mm,4例伴视网膜脱离.PDT治疗为注射用维替泊芬6 mg/m2体表面积,10 min推注完毕,5 min后行689 nm激光照射,激光参数50 J/cm2,时间83 s.光斑大小3～5 mm,治疗2～3个光斑,根据肿瘤大小及形状治疗光斑可以部分重叠,术后随访3.0～15.0个月,平均8.5个月.结果 组合光斑PDT治疗后最后一次随访视力为眼前数指至1.0,7例患者提高2行以上,3例稳定.其中2例B超检查提示肿瘤测不出.8例肿瘤最大厚度0.5～2.7 mm,平均1.9 mm,最大直线距离4.2～8.3 mm,平均6.4 mm,2例视网膜脱离消失,有视网膜色素上皮改变.结论 组合光斑PDT治疗孤立性脉络膜血管瘤安全有效,可以使瘤体萎缩,视网膜脱离消失或减轻,视力提高.     

Efficacy of photodynamic therapy in circumscribed choroidal haemangioma

PURPOSE: To report efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of three cases of juxtafoveal circumscribed choroidal haemangioma. METHODS: Data on three patients (two primary, and one failed TTT) treated with verteporfin, 6 mg/m2 given as i.v. infusion over 10 min. Diode laser (690 nm) with an intensity of 600 mW/cm2 for 83 s (50 mJ/cm2) was applied 5 min after completion of infusion. Overlapping multiple spots (2500 microm) were applied to cover the entire surface of the tumour. The mean pretreatment tumour size was 7 mm (base) x 2.2 (thickness) mm. Periodic follow-up with ophthalmoscopy, ultrasonography, and angiographic studies was performed. RESULTS: All three cases showed complete regression of the tumour with resolution of subretinal fluid, flattening of tumour, and absence of choroidal vasculature on ICG. The visual acuity either improved or remained stable in all three cases. The overlying retinal vessels remained unaffected. There were no ocular or systemic complications. CONCLUSIONS: PDT is an effective treatment for management of juxtafoveal circumscribed choroidal haemangioma.     

Immediate indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography evaluation after photodynamic therapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To better understand the mechanisms of action of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV), the authors evaluated the retinal and choroidal response immediately after treatment with serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). METHODS: This study was a prospective, noncomparative case series. PDT was performed on nine eyes of nine consecutive patients who presented with subfoveal CNV due to age-related macular degeneration, and serial evaluation with OCT as well as ICGA was performed at 20-minute intervals for the first 2 hours and then at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS: In the first 2 hours after PDT, OCT showed an increase in the thickness of the retina in the treatment area due to fluid leakage from the neovascular complex as confirmed by ICGA. At 1 week, marked reduction of intraretinal/subretinal fluid was observed in all patients. Neovascular complex nonperfusion by ICGA was associated with some degree of choroidal hypoperfusion in the treatment area. Return of the foveal contour by OCT was optimal after 1 month of treatment. At 3 months, choroidal reperfusion by ICGA and recurrent intraretinal/subretinal fluid by OCT were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Serial OCT and ICGA evaluation after PDT suggests that the initial successful CNV nonperfusion as shown by fluorescein angiography at 1 week occurs by means of selective PDT damage to the lesion and/or reduced choroidal blood flow in the treatment area, thereby decreasing intraretinal/subretinal fluid and facilitating restoration of the retinal architecture.     

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.     

Photodynamic therapy in the management of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH).DesignA retrospective case series analysis through chart review of patients with CCH treated by means of PDT.ParticipantsThirteen patients with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.MethodsThrough retrospective charts review, the patients' demographics, clinical features, management, and follow-up data were obtained and analyzed. Outcome measures were change in visual acuity, required sessions, and adjunctive treatments.ResultsMedian follow-up was 26 months. Seven patients (54%) underwent only 1 session, 5 patients (38%) 2 sessions, and 1 received 5 sessions and was finally treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Visual acuity improved by at least 1 line (1-5) in 11 patients and remained stable in 2. Exudative subretinal fluid was completely resolved in 92% of the cases at the last visit. No major local side effects were found.ConclusionsPDT of CCH can effectively induce tumor regression and resolution of exudative subretinal fluid, improving, or stabilizing vision.     

Photodynamic therapy using verteporfin in circumscribed choroidal haemangioma

AIM: To investigate the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in patients with choroidal haemangioma. METHODS: A non-randomised, prospective clinical investigation of 19 patients with symptomatic circumscribed choroidal haemangioma was performed. Unsuccessful pretreatment (external beam irradiation, laser photocoagulation) was performed in four patients. Patients were included when (1) subretinal exudation involving the fovea, (2) a decrease in visual function, and (3) additional symptoms (for example, metamorphopsia) were present. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was performed with verteporfin at a concentration of 6 mg/m(2) body surface area and a light dose of 100 J/cm(2) at 692 nm. RESULTS: The mean follow up time was 10.6 months (2-24 months). The mean number of treatment sessions was 2.15 (range 1-5). Visual acuity improved by at least one line in 73.3%, by at least two lines in 42.1%, was stable in 21.1%, and decreased by one line in 5.2% of the patients. Exudation was completely resolved in 94.8% of the cases. Regression of tumour height was documented in all 19 tumours. Patients receiving any pretreatment before PDT, a visual acuity of 0.1 and less, a history of more than 30 months, and no significant response after the first PDT session, did not show any significant improvement. Cox regression analysis revealed that the number of PDT treatment sessions was inversely associated with the improvement in visual acuity of at least two lines. No recurrences and no local or systemic side effects were observed during the follow up time. CONCLUSION: PDT using verteporfin is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of symptomatic choroidal haemangioma even in tumours located beneath the fovea.     

Longstanding symptomatic choroidal hemangioma managed with limited PDT as initial or salvage therapy

Purpose To describe the use of limited, low-irradiance, single-spot photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for the treatment of symptomatic choroidal hemangiomas.Methods Thirteen consecutive patients with a circumscribed choroidal hemangioma were treated with limited PDT 6 min following a 1-min infusion with verteporfin (6 mg/m² body surface area), using a diode laser (692 nm) and a single spot large enough to cover only the most prominent part of the tumor. Exposure time was 166 s in the first three patients and 83 s in the last ten patients, resulting in a radiance exposure of respectively 100 and 50 J/cm².Results In all 11 not previously conventionally treated patients, visual acuity improved following PDT treatment. The two remaining patients with prior radiation treatment both reported widening of the visual field and sharper vision, but did not show an increase in ETDRS vision. In all but four patients the tumor became ultrasonographically undetectable by the first follow-up visit at 6 weeks, with only a slight irregularity at the level of the previous tumor remaining. In four patients the residual tumor was still detectable, and they received a second treatment, following which the tumor flattened completely. In all patients the retinal detachment disappeared.Conclusion The present series demonstrates that even limited, low-irradiance, single-spot photodynamic therapy with verteporfin is an effective first-line treatment for choroidal hemangiomas.Financial support/proprietary interest: none     

A case of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma in Sturge-Weber syndrome in China

We present a case of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH) in Sturge-Weber syndrome in a 30-year-old woman with congenital port-wine stains on the left side of face involving the upper eyelid, cheek and the nose, and she had undergone facial hemangioma surgery 3 years ago suggestive of Sturge-Weber syndrome. She presented with a 1-month history of rapidly decreased visual acuity (VA) to counting fingers in the left eye which had no prior history of visual problem. And there was no evidence of glaucoma. At 3 months after the treatment of the standard photodynamic therapy (PDT) the VA was 20/200. For some reasons, we have no idea about the changes of tumor thickness and subretinal fluid. We confirmed the curative effect of PDT treatment for CCH because of the significantly improved VA in the bad eye.     

Application of Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma

We report 3 cases of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH) effectively managed with intravitreal bevacizumab. One patient (case 1) who had recurrent CCH (1.6 mm in thickness) with prior laser photocoagulation was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab alone. Two patients (case 2 and 3) who had CCH (2.4 mm and 2.2 mm in thickness, respectively) with recent visual impairment were treated with bevacizumab followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Ophthalmic evaluations included visual acuity, ophthalmoscopic examination, fluorescein angiography, ultrasonography, and optical coherence tomography. Patients were followed up for 6-9 months. After therapy, all patients showed improved visual acuity due to complete resorption of subretinal fluid and macular edema. Ultrasonography demonstrated a reduction of the thickness of CCH in case 1 and complete regression of the lesions in case 2 and 3. No patient showed tumor recurrence. Intravitreal bevacizumab, alone or in combination therapy with PDT, may be a useful alternative for the treatment of symptomatic CCH with subretinal fluid.     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin of choroidal malignancy from breast cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for treating a submacular choroidal metastasis from breast cancer. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: Multispot PDT irradiation of tumor surface was performed in a 45-year-old woman who had a choroidal metastasis from breast cancer in the right eye. The response of uveal metastasis to photodynamic action was investigated with the use of fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: Within four months after photosensitization, the exudative detachment of the macula was resolved, with improvement in the visual acuity following decrease in the tumor vascular permeability and absorption of subretinal fluid. CONCLUSIONS: PDT can effectively destroy a malignant tissue and induce an antitumor activity. PDT as an adjunct to chemotherapy is a possible treatment and might be appropriate for patients who require ocular treatment only.     

Optical coherence tomography findings following photodynamic therapy of choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To develop an optical coherence tomography (OCT) classification system that monitors the response of eyes treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) from age-related macular degeneration (AMD).DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series.METHODS: Ninety eyes (88 patients) with AMD and predominantly classic subfoveal CNV treated with PDT using verteporfin were identified by a laser log and retrospectively reviewed. Optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography (FA) were performed before treatment and at subsequent follow-up examinations in all eyes. Optical coherence tomography findings were evaluated and compared with corresponding FA.RESULTS: A five-stage OCT classification of eyes treated with PDT was created from the evaluation of 79 total eyes (77 patients). Stage I (two eyes) is recognized within the first week of treatment and demonstrates an acute inflammatory response with increased subretinal fluid. Stage II (28 eyes) represents the restoration of a near-normal fovea contour with diminished subretinal fluid occurring 1 to 4 weeks after treatment. Stage III (79 eyes) occurs between 4 to 12 weeks following treatment and is subdivided into two categories based on the amount of subretinal fibrosis and fluid present. Stage IIIa (15 eyes) contains a greater subretinal fluid to fibrosis ratio indicating an active CNV process. Lesions in stage IIIb (64 eyes) less actively leak and have more prominent fibrosis with minimal intraretinal fluid. Cystoid macular edema defines a stage IV lesion (11 eyes). In stage V lesions (19 eyes) the subretinal fluid resolves with thinning of the retina as well as fibrosis merging with the retinal pigment epithelial layer (RPE).CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography appears to be useful in monitoring the retinal changes that occur following PDT of CNV and may assist in understanding the changes observed on angiography.     

A case of choroidal hemangioma with bullous exudative retinal detachment treated successfully by transpupillary thermotherapy]

BACKGROUND: Choroidal hemangioma associated with bullous retinal detachment may be difficult to treat, due to varying results with conventional laser photocoagulation, radiotherapy, or surgical drainage. Here we report on a case of extensive bullous retinal detachment secondary to circumscribed choroidal hemangioma that was resolved after combined treatment with vitrectomy, silicone oil tamponade, and transpupillary thermotherapy. CASE: A 29-year-old woman presented with a large choroidal hemangioma in her right eye associated with serous retinal detachment. The tumor measured 8 disc diameters in size and was located in the inferotemporal macula, abutting the fovea. RESULTS: Laser photocoagulation of the tumor was unsuccessful in inducing absorption of subretinal fluid. Because of progressive bullous retinal detachment, surgery was performed consisting of external drainage of subretinal fluid, vitrectomy, endolaser photocoagulation of the tumor, and silicone oil tamponade. The silicone oil was removed four weeks postoperatively at which time almost complete resolution of the retinal detachment was observed. However, retinal detachment recurred eight weeks later, and transpupillary thermotherapy was then applied to the tumor. By four weeks after transpupillary thermotherapy, total reabsorption of subretinal fluid, visual acuity improvement, and decreased height of the choroidal hemangioma were noted. CONCLUSION: Transpupillary thermotherapy is an effective treatment for serous retinal detachment associated with choroidal hemangioma.