Photodynamic therapy in age-related macular degeneration--results of one year observation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in reducing the vision loss and progression of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with subfoveal CNV due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 46 eyes of 46 patients with subfoveal, predominantly classic CNV caused by AMD and best-corrected visual acuity of 5/50 to 5/10 were treated with photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (Visudyne, CIBA Vision). Verteporfin was administered via intravenous infusion over 10 minutes. Fifteen minutes after the start of the infusion, a diode laser light at 689 nm (Opal Photoactivator, Coherent) was delivered over 83 seconds. Visual acuity and fluorescein angiography were performed before and after the treatment at 7 days and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the initial-treatment. Retreatment in the same manner was applied if at follow-up examination fluorescein leakage from CNV was seen. Outcomes were compared with those of control group which consisted of 38 eyes of 38 patients of the same condition of the disease, not treated with any method. RESULTS: The lost of visual acuity was significantly reduced in the verteporfin--treated eyes compared--with controls. At the 12 month 73.91% eyes of PDT group versus 36.84% of control group (p < 0.001) lost fewer than 3 Snellen lines. The vision loss appeared to be more rapid in first 6 months of the study. During the study growth of CNV was diminished in PDT group compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: Results show, that photodynamic therapy may be an effective method of treatment for predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization caused by AMD. Further studies are needed to find the best modes of PDT procedure.     

光动力疗法治疗湿性年龄相关性黄斑变性脉络膜新生血管膜的临床效果

目的探讨光动力疗法（PDT）对湿性年龄相关性黄斑变性（AMD）患者脉络膜新生血管（CNV）膜的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2000年8月至2006年2月经PDT治疗后随访≥6个月的93例（98只眼）湿性AMD患者的临床效果,比较其治疗前后的视力、荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）及吲哚氰绿眼底血管造影（ICGA）图像特征。结果PDT治疗后6个月,患者视力稳定不变的有59只眼（60．2％）,视力提高的有21只眼（21．4％）,视力下降的有18只眼（18．3％）。经FFA检查发现CNV复发且重复治疗者有54只眼（55．1％）;重复治疗时间：1个月者1只眼,3个月者24只眼,6个月者15只眼,9个月者6只眼,〉12个月者8只眼。54只眼重复治疗次数：2次40只眼,3次12只眼,4次2只眼,平均治疗次数为1．7次。随访时间：6—58个月,平均14个月。所有病例均未见严重的不良反应。结论PDT是治疗CNV的安全、有效方法,但需反复治疗。     

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy for extrafoveal choroidal neovascularisation secondary to age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To report the results of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) of extrafoveal predominantly classic choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: In this retrospective study 20 consecutive patients (20 eyes) undergoing verteporfin PDT for extrafoveal predominantly classic CNV in AMD were examined. Colour photography of the fundus, fluorescein angiography and complete ophthalmic examination, including visual acuity assessment with ETDRS charts, were performed before treatment and at 3-month intervals thereafter. The primary outcome criterion was the change in visual acuity. The secondary outcome criterion was the extension of the CNV beneath the centre of the fovea during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time of the patients was 24.2 months (range 12 to 58 months). Visual acuity at baseline varied from 20/200 to 20/20 (mean 20/50+/-2.3 lines). Final visual acuity ranged from 20/1000 to 20/20 (mean 20/200+/-5.1 lines) (P<0.001). In 85% (17/20) of the eyes visual acuity worsened. Visual acuity improved in 15% (3/20) of the eyes. During the course of the follow-up period, subfoveal extension of the CNV was detected in 80% (16/20) of the eyes. CONCLUSION: In 85% of the eyes with extrafoveal predominantly classic CNV secondary to AMD, visual acuity worsened after verteporfin PDT in an average follow-up time of 24 months. Subfoveal CNV was found in 80% of the eyes during follow-up. Even though verteporfin PDT can preserve visual acuity in selected cases, deterioration was seen in the majority of the patients.     

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…     

Subfoveal hemorrhage after verteporfin photodynamic therapy in treatment of choroidal neovascularization

BACKGROUND: To identify the frequency of new subfoveal hemorrhage and its impact on visual acuity 2 weeks following verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive, interventional case series. At a tertiary retinal referral center, 104 eyes of 97 consecutive patients with predominantly classic subfoveal CNV were treated by PDT. Morphological outcomes include new subfoveal hemorrhage assessed on the photo review (pretreatment, 2 and 12 weeks after PDT). Visual acuity outcomes include moderate (3-5 ETDRS lines) and severe (6 and more ETDRS lines) loss of visual acuity at 2 weeks after PDT. RESULTS: In this study, 104 eyes of 97 patients were analyzed. CNV in all eyes was secondary to AMD. New subfoveal hemorrhage was found in 22% (23/104) of the eyes 2 weeks following PDT. 17.4% (4/23) of the eyes with new subfoveal hemorrhage had moderate or severe loss of visual acuity. In such eyes the 12-week examination revealed considerable resorption of the new subfoveal hemorrhage with some improvement of visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: In 3.8% of the eyes that underwent PDT for predominantly classic subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD, new subfoveal hemorrhage may result in moderate or severe loss of visual acuity within 2 weeks. In all eyes with new subfoveal hemorrhage, considerable resorption of the hemorrhage and some improvement of the visual acuity were seen at 12 weeks. Candidates for PDT should be informed about the low risk of this complication.     

渗出型老年性黄斑变性患者光动力疗法治疗前后视功能变化

目的 观察渗出型老年性黄斑变性（AMD）患者光动力疗法（PDT） 治疗前后的视功能变化。 方法 对经临床眼底检查、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）检查确诊的AMD患者25例34只眼采取PDT治疗，治疗后随访4个月～2年，平均随访观察时间9.2个月。对比分析治疗前以及治疗后定期随诊观察的最佳视力［采用最小分辨角度的对数视力(logMRA)统计平均视力］、视物变形及中心暗点、对比敏感度、双眼单视功能和立体视功能、以及色觉辨认等的变化情况。 结果 PDT治疗前患眼平均视力为logMAR 0.73±0. 37，治疗后不同时期的平均视力较治疗前提高，尤其在3个月时较明显，其平均视力logMAR 0.59±0.45。治疗前后比较，差异无显著性的意义（P＞0.05）；其中视力提高者13只眼 ，占38.24%；无变化15只眼，占44.12%；下降6只眼，占17.65%。Amsler方格表检查视物变形和中心暗点均较治疗前范围缩小，但差异无显著性的意义（P＞0.05）。治疗后各频区的对比敏感度值均较治疗前呈现不同程度提高，低频区（1.5 c/d）差异有显著性的意义（P＜0.05） 。患者的双眼同时视功能、融合功能、立体视功能以及色觉辨认功能均较治疗前有轻度改善 （P＞0.05）。 结论 渗出型AMD患者的视功能变化是多方面的，PDT 治疗可改善患者的部分视功能. （中华眼底病杂志，2004，20：289-291）     

光动力学治疗脉络膜新生血管的临床观察

目的观察光动力学治疗继发于不同病因的黄斑中心凹下或中心凹旁脉络膜新生血管的疗效和安全性。方法回顾16例16眼经荧光血管造影、吲哚青绿造影证实活动性脉络膜新生血管,继发于老年性黄斑变性4眼,病理性近视6眼和中心性渗出性脉络膜视网膜病变6眼。比较PDT治疗前后最佳矫正视力,散瞳前置镜眼底检查以及荧光血管造影和脉络膜血管造影的资料。典型性为主型CNV14眼,轻微典型性CNV1眼,隐匿性CNV1眼。CNV位于黄斑中心凹下12眼,黄斑中心凹旁4眼。光动力学治疗方案参照TAP制定的标准。结果随访时间:1~14个月,平均(5±4.28)个月。1次治疗14眼,重复治疗2次1眼,3次1眼。最终患眼视力提高8眼,保持不变8眼。FFA检查示CNV渗漏停止1眼,渗漏减少10眼,渗漏无明显减少5眼,渗漏面积较治疗前明显缩小(P<0.05)。CNV复发3眼。仅1例在输液时发生光敏剂渗漏,但未发生光敏反应。治疗后视网膜一过性出血增加3眼。结论光动力学治疗为继发于不同病因的黄斑中心凹下或中心凹旁CNV患者提供一种安全有效的治疗选择。部分患者治疗后短时间内复发,PDT治疗CNV的长期疗效有待进一步观察。     

Transpupillary thermotherapy in subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane secondary to age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To report our initial experience in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane, secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to AMD, were included in the study. The parameters assessed before the TTT were visual acuity by ETDRS chart, scotoma score by Amsler grid chart, reading speed, fundus examination by direct and indirect ophthalmoscope as well as +90 Diopter lens followed by digital fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (FA). RESULTS: The letter visual acuity improved or stabilized in 72% cases up to 12 weeks after TTT. Mean scotoma score decreased from a mean of 47.56, to 43.56 at 6 weeks and to 37 at 12 weeks. Mean reading speed increased from 27.04 words/minute at pretreatment to 34.52 words/minute at 6 weeks and 37.33 words/minute 12 weeks after TTT. CONCLUSION: TTT is not only a cheaper alternative to photodynamic therapy (PDT), but also is an efficacious tool in stabilisation or improvement of visual acuity in the management of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane due to AMD.     

Macular microcirculation blood flow in patients with age related macular degeneration treated with photodynamic therapy and transpupillary thermotherapy

PURPOSE: To assess the macular retinal and choroidal microcirculation blood flow in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration before and after photodynamic therapy (PDT) or transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) with Doppler laser scanning (HRF--Heidelberg retinal flowmeter). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration were included in a prospective study. The diagnosis was established based on ophthalmic examination and fluorescein angiography results. In all cases the subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was present. Control group consists of the fellow eyes with early stage of AMD (19 eyes) or with disciform scar (11 eyes). In 15 eyes with active CNV PDT was performed and in remaining 15--TTT. In all cases the macular blood flow was measured with Heidelberg retina flowmeter (HRF) before therapy and then 1 week, 4 weeks and 10-12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: At the baseline examination in a group of eyes with active CNV the mean values of macular blood flow were significantly higher comparing to the fellow eyes and reached respectively: 678.6 +/- 125.0 AU and 298.4 +/- 79.2 AU (p=0.001). Four weeks after treatment all eyes showed the reduction of macular blood flow comparing to the baseline values (p=0.001). Ten to twelve weeks after laser therapy in all cases the increased macular blood flow was detected comparing to the previous examination (p=0.01). During the follow-up period the macular blood flow in the fellow eyes were significantly lower than in treated eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of macular blood flow using Doppler scanning laser (HRF--Heidelberg retinal flowmeter) may act as a non-invasive and useful diagnostic tool in assessment of CNV activity in patients with exudative age-related degeneration before and after PDT or TTT.     

Effects of photodynamic therapy on the choriocapillaris and retinal pigment epithelium in the irradiated area

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the choriocapillaris and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the irradiated area surrounding choroidal neovascularization (CNV) during 12 months of follow-up. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records, and indocyanine green angiography (IA), fluorescein angiography (FA), and fundus photographic findings of 72 eyes (72 patients) with CNV associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Patients were divided into three groups based on the number of PDT sessions. Twelve months after PDT, we evaluated the relationship between the number of sessions and both the presence of hypofluorescence in the late phase of IA and window defects observed on FA in the irradiated areas. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients had one PDT session (group I), 25 had two (group II), and 24 had three or four (group III). IA revealed hypofluorescence indicating a choriocapillaris filling defect within the irradiated area in 11 eyes (48%) in group I, 18 (72%) in group II, and 22 (91%) in group III. The correlation between the number of PDT sessions and hypofluorescence in the irradiated areas was significant. FA showed window defects surrounding CNV in 26%, 52%, and 71% of eyes from groups I, II, and III, respectively. Subretinal hemorrhages had been present in 23 eyes (32%) and exudation in 13 (18%) prior to PDT. Areas without hemorrhages or exudation prior to PDT had a normal appearance within the irradiated area in all 72 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Although the RPE in the irradiated area was preserved, 12 months after PDT, mild choriocapillaris occlusion was detected in the irradiated area in eyes that had undergone multiple PDT sessions.     

光动力疗法治疗老年性黄斑变性合并脉络膜新生血管的临床观察

目的 观察单次光动力疗法(photodynamic therapy, PDT)治疗渗出型老年性黄斑变性(age-related macular degeneration, AMD)合并脉络膜新生血管(choroidal neovascularization, CNV)的短期治疗效果。 方法 回顾分析经荧光素眼底血管造影(fundus fluorescein angiography, FFA)、吲哚青绿血管造影(indocyanine green angiography,ICGA)和光相干断层成像术(optic coherence tomography, OCT)等检查确诊的30例渗出型AMD患者的35只患眼行PDT治疗前和治疗后1周,1、3个月的临床资料，以视力、FFA、ICGA和OCT检查结果为观察指标，评价PDT对渗出型AMD的短期治疗效果。 结果 治疗后3 个月内有34只眼视力不变或提高，1只眼因出血而视力下降；FFA检查显示有19只眼荧光素渗漏减轻或完全消退；OCT检查显示视网膜水肿和浆液性脱离明显好转。全部患者治疗过程中未发生任何不良反应；治疗后3例患者主诉有一过性视物变暗，2例主诉轻微背痛。 结论 PDT治疗渗出型AMD时，可短期封闭CNV，使渗漏减轻或消退，对视力无损害。 (中华眼底病杂志, 2002, 18: 171-174)     

Treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration

I PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT: We followed 75 eyes contralateral to eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), using indocyanine green angiography (IA), for more than one year. Hyperfluorescent areas in the late phase of IA were seen in 19 eyes at the initial examination, and in 25 eyes during follow-up. Exudative AMD developed in 9 of the 25 eyes. Using timetable analysis, we estimated that 11% of these 27 eyes developed AMD within one year and 55% within three years. The hyperfluorescent areas seen on IA appeared to be latent choroidal neovascularization (CNV) under the retinal pigment epithelium. We propose that photocoagulation aimed at hyperfluorescent areas should be considered in such cases. We performed prophylactic laser photocoagulation in 21 eyes, which were then followed up for at least six months. These eyes all had 10 or more serous drusen within 1,500 microns of the fovea and did not show hyperfluorescence, suggesting latent CNV in the late phase of IA. The majority or a small fraction of the serous drusen disappeared in 48% and 18% of the 21 eyes, respectively. CNV appeared adjacent to the laser scar in one eye (5%). Judging from these results, it is important to establish a method of definitively abolishing drusen and preventing the development of CNV. II TREATMENT OF CNV: Of 229 eyes which showed occult CNV in fluorescein angiography (FA), 124 eyes (54%) showed classic CNV outside the fovea on IA. One hundred and two of the 124 eyes (45%) underwent laser photocoagulation. We evaluated indocyanine green guided laser photocoagulation of extrafoveal CNV in 139 eyes. The success rate was 81% at 3 months after laser photocoagulation. This was estimated using timetable analyses to have decreased to 78% at one year and 71% at three years. Eighty percent of successfully treated eyes showed maintained or improved visual acuity. These results did not differ significantly from those obtained with laser photocoagulation based on FA findings. When classic CNV is not detected on FA, IA is indicated and if classic CNV is detected outside the fovea, photocoagulation should be performed aggressively. We compared the histological findings of removed subfoveal CNV with the IA findings prior to removal. IA findings of CNV before removal were divided into four types. Types I and II showed numerous vascular lumina in von Willebrand factor staining. Prominent proliferation in types I and II was demonstrated with Ki-67. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) showed strong staining in types I, II and III. Therefore, CNV in eyes with types I, II and III, and especially type I, requires urgent treatment. We compared visual outcomes one year after treatment between 52 eyes that underwent removal and 56 eyes that underwent laser photocoagulation of subfoveal CNV. When CNV size was one disc diameter or less, mean visual acuity, the percentage of eyes with improved vision and with a visual acuity of 0.1 or more, was significantly greater in operated eyes than in coagulated eyes. Removal is therefore superior to photocoagulation in subfoveal CNV of one disc diameter or less in size. We evaluated preoperative factors influencing the best corrected visual acuity at least six months after removal of subfoveal CNV in 67 eyes. Factors influencing the best corrected visual acuity were IA findings, feeder vessel ingrowth sites and CNV sizes. Good indications for removal included types I, II and III IA findings, extra foveal location feeder vessel ingrowth sites, and small CNV. III LOW VISION CARE: We performed reading tests using the MN read J chart for 90 eyes with the scar stage of CNV. Reading speed profiles of the 90 eyes were classified into two groups: 48 eyes showing a plateau with a relatively constant reading rate at the maximum level; and 42 eyes showing steadily increasing reading rate without a plateau. Eyes without a plateau had worse visual acuity, worse reading acuity, and slower reading speed. We evaluated newspaper reading performance by comparing conventional versus new methods based on the critical print size of the MN read J chart. Magnification power based on the critical print size were similar to those finally chosen as the best aid by the patients. On the other hand, magnification power was lower when conventional methods were used. The critical print size of the MN Read J chart appears to be valuable for determining low vision aids which facilitate reading by AMD patients.     

Angiographic features after photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularisation in age related macular degeneration and pathological myopia

AIM: To describe the angiographic features after photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) associated both with age related macular degeneration (AMD) and pathological myopia (PM). METHODS: 36 patients affected by subfoveal CNV in AMD and 25 patients with subfoveal CNV in PM underwent an ophthalmological examination including fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) using the IMAGEnet System. Post-PDT examinations were performed 7, 30, and 90 days later. RESULTS: The typical angiographic aspect after PDT for AMD related CNV was a round hypofluorescence visible both on FA and on ICGA, which included both CNV and the surrounding tissues and corresponded to the area exposed to laser light. In PM the CNV appeared hypofluorescent during the early phases and gradually became hyperfluorescent during the late phases on FA, whereas on ICGA it was detectable in its whole extension as a hyperfluorescent lesion since the early phases. Differently from AMD, there was no round hypofluorescence surrounding the CNV on FA or on ICGA. Moreover, five patients in the AMD group showed hot spots on ICGA, which spontaneously disappeared during the follow up. Classic and occult components of the AMD related CNV revealed a different angiographic response to PDT, showing with the latter only a partial closure 1 week after PDT followed by a complete reopening at the first month in 100% of cases. CONCLUSION: The post-PDT hypofluorescence typical of AMD related CNV, especially visible on FA, might be secondary to a combination of choriocapillary occlusion and masking effect due to swelling of retinal pigment epithelium cells. Hot spots in the AMD affected patients could be interpreted as the expression of a non-thermal choroidal vasculitis secondary to PDT.     

光动力疗法治疗渗出型老年性黄斑变性的初步报告

目的 观察单次光动力治疗(photodynamic therapy,PDT)对渗出型老年性黄斑变性(age-related macular degeneration,AMD)脉络膜新生血管(choroidal neovascularization,CNV)的近期治疗效果。 方法 回顾分析经荧光素眼底血管造影(fundus fluorescein angiography, FFA)、吲哚青绿脉络膜血管造影(indocyanine green angiography, ICGA)以及光学相干断层扫描(optic coherence tomography,OCT)检查确诊的5例渗出型AMD患者的7只患眼行PDT治疗前及治疗后随访观察1周和1个月时的临床资料,主要以视力、FFA及(或)ICGA、OCT的改变为观察指标,评价PDT对渗出型AMD的治疗效果。 结果 7只患眼在治疗后1个月视力均无下降。治疗后1周时除1只眼在ICGA后期仍可观察到CNV有轻微渗漏外,其余6只眼FFA及(或)ICGA均显示CNV渗漏停止;OCT检查显示CNV有不同程度缩小,CNV周围视网膜脉络膜水肿及神经上皮脱离明显好转。但在治疗后1个月时观察到有2只眼在原渗漏病灶处又有渗漏灶出现。 结论PDT 治疗可以在短期内封闭AMD的CNV,使其停止渗漏,且不影响视力。(中华眼底病杂志,2000,16:213-216)     

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy with Verteporfine (Visudyne Novartis Ophthalmics) achieves a photo occlusion of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) resulting from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in phase 1 and 2 studies. Thereafter, two international randomized clinical trials evaluated the product's efficacy in term of visual acuity. Eyes with neovascular lesions due to AMD of less than 5,400 micro, in size involving the fovea and presenting well-defined CNV on fluorescein angiography could be included when visual acuity was between 5 and 1/10. Six hundred and nine patients were subsequently randomized either to Verteporfine or to placebo (proportion 2:1). A follow-up of 3 months made it possible to consider retreatment when a fluorescein leakage was observed. Functional and angiographic results demonstrated the efficacy of PDT with Verteporfine in comparison with placebo at each examination during follow-up. A visual acuity decrease of less than 15 letters on ETDRS (or 3 lines or approximately 1.5/10) occured less frequently in the treated group with PDT (61% out of 402 treated eyes compared with 46% of 207 placebo eyes). Subgroup analysis of predominantly well-defined CNV (involving 50% or more of the total of the exsudative lesion) showed even more favourable effects (67% of treated eyes versus 39% of placebo eyes). Conversely, when well-defined CNV extended to a smaller area, the results were not significant. The most frequent side effect was Verteporfine extravasation at the injection site. As dynamic phototherapy with Verteporfine limits the decrease in visual acuity always occurring in the natural history of CNV caused by AMD, it is desirable that patients presenting subfoveal predominantly well-defined lesions benefit from this new treatment approach.     

Eligibility for treatment and angiographic features at the early stage of exudative age related macular degeneration

AIMS: To determine the eligibility for laser photocoagulation treatment or for photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in eyes at the earliest stage (first month of symptoms) of exudative age related macular degeneration (AMD) based on fluorescein angiographic (FA) features; to evaluate the potential contribution of indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A) for occult choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) at this stage. METHODS: Retrospective review of 252 consecutive patients (269 eyes) examined within the first month of symptoms of exudative AMD. RESULTS: On FA, 97 eyes (36%) had classic CNV alone. Occult CNV associated with fibrovascular retinal pigment epithelium detachments (PEDs) was observed in 71 eyes (26%) and without fibrovascular PED in 101 eyes (38%). 91 eyes (34%) met the Macular Photocoagulation Study criteria for laser photocoagulation. 53 eyes (20%) met the Verteporfin In PDT (VIP) or Treatment of AMD with PDT (TAP) studies criteria. By ICG-A, occult CNV was visualised as focal spots in 49% of eyes examined within 15 days v 32% of eyes examined between 16 and 30 days after the onset of symptoms (p=0.07). 8.5% of late staining plaques disclosed in eyes examined within 15 days were combined with focal spots v 36% in eyes examined between 16 and 30 days (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Early examination of eyes with exudative AMD would allow the treatment of 47% of eyes. 60% of eyes with subfoveal CNV would be eligible for PDT with verteporfin. Up to half of eyes with occult CNV would be converted by ICG-A into well delineated focal spots.     

氪激光低能量光凝治疗年龄相关性黄斑变性合并脉络膜新生血管患者的临床效果

目的 探讨氪激光低能量光凝治疗年龄相关性黄斑变性(AMD)合并脉络膜新生血管(CNV)患者的疗效。方法 湿性AMD患者17例(17只眼),经荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)或吲哚氰绿血管造影(ICGA)检测,确诊为黄斑中心凹下CNV。患者年龄50—74岁,平均61岁。在黄斑病变区相应视野中心暗点内,应用氪激光行低能量光凝治疗。术后4周CNV仍有活动者再次行光凝治疗。每例患者治疗前和复诊时均检查视力、眼前节、眼底及视野,并行眼底照相和FFA、ICGA检测。患者术后定期随访1-8年,平均3．5年。结果 术后所有患者的治疗眼均未出现即刻视力下降现象,局部出血和渗出明显消退。FFA检测证实CNV关闭或缩小,渗漏减少,其中9例患者随诊3年以上未见复发。术后6只眼视力增进,8只眼视力不变,3只眼视力减退。视野复查见中心暗点无明显变化。结论应用氪激光低能量光凝治疗AMD合并黄斑中心凹下CNV患者具有疗效好、复发者少等优点。(中华眼科杂志,2004,40：808-811）     

Wirkt sich Acetylsalicylsäure negativ auf die photodynamische Therapie aus?

BACKGROUND: Non-thermal photodynamic therapy (PDT) is presently being used for the treatment of certain forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This therapy results in selective occlusion of newly growing vessels. Due to this effectiveness of PDT the question came up whether inhibitors of platelet aggregation have an influence on PDT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our retrospective study included 60 patients with mainly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularizations (CNV) due to AMD. All patients were treated by PDT. Thirty patients took acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) because of their general disease before and during treatment. In the control group none of the patients took acetylsalicylic acid. RESULTS: Best corrected visual acuity and measured dimension of the choroidal neovascularization showed before beginning PDT no statistically significant difference (visual acuity p=0.676; dimension of CNV p=0.678). Also no significant difference existed between visual acuity (p=0.412; p=0.226; p=0.969) and CNV (p=0.871; p=0.245; p=0.323) at the follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that acetylsalicylic acid does not have any effect on PDT treatment.     

Photodynamic therapy with delayed light application for the treatment of bilateral subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To determine if photodynamic therapy (PDT) with delayed light application at 17 minutes after the start of infusion was effective in the second eyes of patients with bilateral subfoveal classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: The records of 20 patients with bilateral subfoveal classic CNV secondary to AMD who were treated with bilateral PDT in the same session were reviewed. Treatment for the second eye of patients was begun 120 seconds after termination of treatment for the first eye. This time interval was necessary for applying the contact lens and entering the new laser parameters, and it was kept constant in all cases. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ophthalmologic examinations, fluorescein and indocyanine angiograms were used to evaluate the results of PDT. Follow-up time ranged from 6 to 12 months with a mean of 8.7 (+/-2.1) months. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) treatment sessions were 1.7 (+/-0.6) in first eyes and 1.7 (+/-0.5) in second eyes. Among first eyes, BCVA improved in 7 of the 20 eyes (35%); stabilized in 7 eyes (35%); and worsened in 6 eyes (30%). Among second eyes, BCVA improved in 5 of the 20 eyes (25%); stabilized in 8 eyes (40%); and worsened in 7 eyes (35%). CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, bilateral PDT in the same session achieved cessation of fluorescein leakage from CNV without loss of vision or growth of CNV in the second eyes of patients with bilateral subfoveal classic CNV secondary to AMD. Further studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up are necessary to confirm whether bilateral PDT in the same session is beneficial for bilateral subfoveal classic CNV related to AMD.     

Long-term efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

AIM: To determine the long-term efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Fourteen eyes of 14 patients with subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD were treated with diode laser (810nm) TTT. The mean age was 67.1 years. Complete ophthalmic examination was done, color fundus photographs and macular optical coherence tomography scans were taken, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were performed during initial and at subsequent follow-up examinations. Treatment was given in one minute using 2-3mm spot sizes, and laser power settings were between 650-800mW. The follow-up period was between 5 and 64 months and the mean was 28.6 months. RESULTS: There was subfoveal classic CNV in 10, predominantly classic CNV in 2, minimally classic CNV in 1, and type 1 occult CNV in one of the fourteen eyes. Four patients were noted to have post-treatment hemorrhage which was absorbed in a short time. Macular non-perfusion occurred in one patient immediately after treatment. Most of the eyes demonstrated a decrease in exudation during the follow-up. With a mean follow-up of 28.6 months, visual acuity improved in 5, remained the same in 8 and decreased in 1 of the 14 eyes. CONCLUSION: Transpupillary thermotherapy is shown to close subfoveal CNV with rapid resolution of subretinal fluid while maintaining visual function in patients with AMD. It may be performed as an alternative laser treatment in classic and predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to AMD.