Sequence of early vascular events after photodynamic therapy

PURPOSE: To identify early vascular changes in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and in adjacent normal choroid, after photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: In a prospective study, 40 patients with predominantly classic CNV due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were treated with PDT performed with verteporfin. Verteporfin was administered intravenously at a dose of 6 mg/m(2) body surface area. A near infrared laser light dose of 50 J/cm(2), an irradiance of 600 mW/cm(2) and a wavelength of 692 nm was applied. A scanning laser system was used to perform confocal fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) before treatment and regularly at 5 hours, 1 day, 1 week, and 3 months after PDT. Images were analyzed for CNV size and leakage area as seen by FA and ICGA. Collateral damage within the surrounding choroid was documented based on the hypofluorescence in early- and late-phase ICGA. RESULTS: No immediate occlusion of the CNV complex was found angiographically, but a dynamic change over time was observed in the early perfusion patterns and late-phase hyper- and hypofluorescence. At 5 hours after treatment, large portions of the CNV lesion were still perfused. One day after PDT, CNV size in early FA and early ICGA reached its minimum, at 0.49 mm(2) (15.7%) and 0.78 mm(2) (31.1%) of the initial area, respectively. In late-phase FA and ICGA, however, an immediate massive exudation with a continuous increase in hyperfluorescence originated from the CNV and surrounding choroid, with a maximum in leakage area at 1 day. At 1 week PDT-induced exudation slowly resolved. Eyes in 36 patients showed some choroidal hypofluorescence by ICGA before treatment. A progressive increase of the hypofluorescent area surrounding the CNV was observed, which correlated with the size of the laser spot. Maximum hypofluorescence was noted at 1 week with an average size of 11.1 mm(2) in early- and late-phase ICGA. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to findings in experimental animals, PDT in humans with classic CNV did not induce immediate thrombosis, but primarily caused a breakdown of vascular barriers. A characteristic sequence of vascular changes was observed with early, enhanced leakage from the CNV and normal choroid followed by nonperfusion later. Occlusion of the CNV lesions occurred 1 day after treatment, but closure of the adjacent choroidal vessels proceeded slowly over as long as 1 week.     

Evaluation of the new photosensitizer Stakel (WST-11) for photodynamic choroidal vessel occlusion in rabbit and rat eyes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the photodynamic potential of a new hydrosoluble photosensitizer (WST-11, Stakel; Steba Biotech, Toussus-Le-Noble, France), for use in occlusion of normal choroidal vessels in the rabbit eye and CNV (choroidal neovascularization) in the rat eye. METHODS: Occlusive and nonocclusive parameters of Stakel and verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) were investigated in pigmented rabbits. Eyes were followed by fluorescein angiography (FA) and histology at various intervals after PDT. RESULTS: When occlusive parameters (fluence of 50 J/cm(2), 5 mg/kg drug dose and DLI [distance to light illumination] of 1 minute) were used, Stakel PDT was efficient immediately after treatment without associated structural damage of the RPE and retina overlying the treated choroid in the rabbit eye. Two days later, total occlusion of the choriocapillaries was seen in 100% of the treated eyes, along with accompanying histologic structural changes in the overlying retina. When the occlusive parameters (fluence, 100 J/cm2; drug dose, 12 mg/m2; and DLI, 5 minutes) of verteporfin PDT were used, occlusion of the choriocapillaries was observed in 89% of the treated eyes. Histology performed immediately after treatment demonstrated structural damage of the overlying retina and RPE layer. Weaker, nonocclusive Stakel PDT parameters (25 J/cm2, 5 mg/kg, and DLI of 10 minutes) did not induce choriocapillary occlusion or retinal lesions on FA or histology. Weaker, nonocclusive verteporfin PDT parameters (10 J/cm2, 0.2 mg/kg, and DLI of 5 minutes) did not induce choriocapillary occlusion. However, histology of these eyes showed the presence of damage in the retinal and choroidal tissues. Moreover, preliminary results indicate that selective CNV occlusion can be achieved with Stakel PDT in the rat eye. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike verteporfin PDT, Stakel PDT does not cause direct damage to the RPE cell layer or retina. These observations indicate that Stakel PDT may have a high potential for beneficial therapeutic outcomes in treatment of AMD.     

Veränderungen neovaskulärer Membranen und normaler Aderhautgefäße nach mehrfacher photodynamischer Therapie

PURPOSE: ICG angiography (ICGA) was used to document the effect of repeated PDT (verteporfin) on size and leakage of choroidal neovascularisation in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and treatment-related side effects on the choroid. METHODS: Forty-two patients were followed over 24 months in a clinical trial for PDT in AMD. The ICGAs were performed every 3 months with a confocal laser scanning system. Patients received repeated verteporfin treatment. At each control visit, the patients were retreated if leakage was present in fluorescein angiography (FA). RESULTS: A continuous, highly significant reduction in CNV size and leakage area was found over 24 months. The initial CNV size dropped by 23% from 3.86 mm2 to 2.98 mm2. The leakage area in the late phase of the angiogram decreased by 30.3% from 5.0 mm2 to 3.5 mm2. A significant side effect of PDT on the choroid was documented by an increased hypofluorescent area in ICGA. The maximum size of the hypofluorescent area was reached after 12 months. At month 24, the choroidal fluorescence showed recovery in respect to area and intensity of fluorescence. But hypofluorescence surrounding the CNV lesion was already present in 40 out of 42 eyes before treatment. CONCLUSION: The ICGA confirms that repeated PDT treatments lead to a significant reduction in CNV size and leakage area over as long as 2 years. CNV lesions are surrounded by choriocapillary hypofluorescence in ICGA. PDT causes further hypoperfusion of the choroid but in the long-term significant recovery of choroidal perfusion was shown.     

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy in the rat model of choroidal neovascularization: angiographic and histologic characterization

PURPOSE: To develop a model of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) for experimental choroidal neovascularization CNV in the rat. METHODS: A laser injury model was used to induce experimental CNV in rats. The transit and accumulation of the photosensitizer verteporfin was assessed angiographically in CNV lesions, to determine the optimal time for delivery of light energy. The CNV lesions were then treated with verteporfin PDT, with two doses of verteporfin (3.0 and 6.0 mg/m(2)) and four activating doses of light energy (10, 25, 50, and 100 J/cm(2)). Closure of the CNV was assessed both angiographically and histologically. Verteporfin PDT was also performed on areas of normal choroid and retina at the two verteporfin doses and four light energy doses. The effect of these treatments on these structures was also assessed angiographically and histologically. RESULTS: Peak verteporfin intensities in the CNV were detected at 15 to 20 minutes after intravenous injection. Rates of closure of the CNV varied as a function of the dose of verteporfin and of the activating light energy. Angiographic closure of the CNV correlated with damage to the neovascular complex, as seen with light and electron microscopy. Damage to areas of normal choroid and retina treated with verteporfin PDT also varied as a function of the verteporfin and light energy doses. CONCLUSIONS: Verteporfin PDT for experimental CNV in the rat is a feasible, effective, and reproducible model that can be used for testing the efficacy of adjunctive therapy to verteporfin PDT.     

Changes in confocal indocyanine green angiography through two years after photodynamic therapy with verteporfin

PURPOSE: To evaluate vascular changes documented by confocal indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) through 2 years after photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Single-center, 2-year, randomized, double-masked, interventional, placebo-controlled trial (subset from Treatment of AMD with PDT Study [TAP]). PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) resulting from AMD. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized in a ratio of 2:1 to a standard regimen using verteporfin therapy at a drug dose of 6 mg/m(2) body surface area and a light dose of 50 J/cm(2) or a sham treatment with placebo infusion and light exposure. Retreatments, if persistent fluorescein leakage from CNV was documented, were scheduled at 3-month intervals for up to 2 years. Confocal ICGA with tomographic sections was performed at baseline and continuously at the month 3, 6, 12, and 24 examinations using a standardized protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Analysis included the size of the neovascular net, the area of late hyperfluorescence, and choroidal hypofluorescence during early- and late-phase imaging. RESULTS: In the verteporfin-treated group, the mean size of the CNV and the mean area of late leakage consistent with active leakage or staining showed no further enlargement at month 12 and were reduced at month 24. In the placebo-treated group, new vessels grew threefold compared with baseline and exhibited persistent late hyperfluorescence resulting from leakage at 24 months. Associated choroidal hypofluorescence within the treated area was significantly increased in eyes treated with verteporfin PDT compared with the control group during the first year, persisted during all ICGA phases, and was irreversible during follow-up. Image analysis revealed choroidal hypoperfusion with choriocapillary dropout, which correlated with chorioretinal atrophy clinically. Progressive destruction of choroidal integrity by fibrosis in control eyes led to a similar extent of collateral hypofluorescence in both groups through the 24-month examination. CONCLUSIONS: Indocyanine green angiography is an important adjunct in the identification of vascular effects associated with verteporfin PDT. Repeated treatments effectively arrested CNV growth and reduced leakage activity. The collateral impairment of choroidal perfusion appears to influence the visual outcome of the treatment.     

Effect of photodynamic therapy with ATX-S 10 (Na) on experimental choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To evaluate an appropriate irradiative condition for selective occlusion of experimental choroidal neovascularization(CNV) with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using ATX-S 10 (Na). METHODS: Experimental CNV was induced in monkey eyes by laser photocoagulation. PDT(dose of irradiative energy 40 to 80J/cm2) was performed after 3.5 mg/kg of body weight intravenous injections of ATX-S 10(Na). CNV and retinal vessel occlusion induced by PDT was evaluated by fluorescein angiography (FA) at 1 and 7 days after irradiation. If FA showed no fluorescein dye leakage from CNV at 1 and 7 days after irradiation, CNV was evaluated by histopathological analysis at 7 days after irradiation. RESULTS: Within 30 to 33 minutes after ATX-S 10(Na) injection and irradiation with 50 to 60 J/ cm2, FA showed no fluorescein dye leakage from CNV and no closure of retinal vessels at 1 and 7 days after irradiation. Light micrographs showed occluded CNV, and retinal vessels remained patent and there was no apparent change in the inner layer of the retina. CONCLUSIONS: Irradiative condition of ATX-S10 (Na) 3.5 mg/kg was appropriate 30 to 33 minutes after ATX-S 10(Na) injection and irradiation with 50 to 60 J/cm2.     

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.     

Effects of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin on experimental choroidal neovascularization and normal retina and choroid up to 7 weeks after treatment.

PURPOSE: To study the long-term effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT), using liposomal benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) or Verteporfin, on experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and on normal retina and choroid (with no CNV) in the cynomolgus monkey eye. METHODS: Photodynamic therapy was performed in 8 cynomolgus monkey eyes with experimental CNV induced by laser injury. The effect of PDT on normal retina and choroid (with no CNV) was studied in 9 monkey eyes. Liposomal BPD was administered intravenously (0.375 mg/kg) either as a bolus, as a slow infusion over 32 minutes, or as a fast infusion over 10 minutes. Photodynamic therapy was performed using light at a wavelength of 689 or 692 nm, with an irradiance of 600 mW/cm2 and fluence of 150 J/cm2. Follow-up studies, including fundus photography and FA, were performed at 24 hours after PDT and then weekly. Indocyanine green and BPD angiography were performed in selected cases. Tissues were examined with light and electron microscopy at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-three of the 32 areas of CNV treated with PDT showed absence of angiographic leakage at 24 hours. Twenty-eight areas of CNV were followed for 4 weeks; 22 of 28 showed absence of angiographic leakage at 2 weeks; and 20 of 28 at 4 weeks of follow-up. Forty spots on the normal retina and choroid were treated with PDT and were followed for 4 to 7 weeks. These spots showed pigment-laden cells in the outer retina, variably pigmented retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the treated area, intact neurosensory retina, and reperfusion of the choriocapillaris. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy leads to absence of angiographic leakage for at least 4 weeks in experimental CNV in the monkey model. In the normal monkey eye the RPE and choriocapillaris show generalized recovery with preservation of the neurosensory retina 7 weeks after PDT.     

Case series outcomes at 1 week following verteporfin photodynamic therapy.

PURPOSE: To examine the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) fluorescein angiographic perfusion and visual acuity 1 week after photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne, Novartis AG, Switzerland) on predominantly classic, subfoveal lesions in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHOD: A retrospective case series study was conducted on the 1-week outcome of PDT treatment of 76 of 79 consecutive patients with the subfoveal, predominantly classic CNV form of AMD. Leakage from CNV was assessed by fluorescein angiography and best-corrected visual acuity determined on projected Snellen charts using a standardized protocol. RESULTS: One week after PDT treatment, absence of fluorescein leakage from CNV was observed in 100% of the 76 patients. Visual acuity improved (at least a three-line gain) in 11 patients (15%), remained unchanged (less than a three-line gain or loss) in 64 patients (84%), and deteriorated (at least a three-line loss) in only one patient (1%). CONCLUSION: The absence of fluorescein leakage from classic CNV at 1 week in all cases was consistent with the published outcome of the clinical Phase I and II PDT trials. Further, vision loss 1 week after PDT for predominantly classic CNV was very uncommon. Therefore 1-week post-PDT angiography is unnecessary for predominantly classic CNV in patients with AMD.     

Short-term reaction of choroidal neovascularization and choriocapillaris to photodynamic therapy in age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To identify the number of primary angiographic nonresponders to photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin, to determine the rate and speed of reperfusion of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) within a short observation period of only 5 weeks, and to examine the reaction of the underlying choroidal vessels. METHODS: PDT according to the TAP regimen was carried out in 36 eyes with subfoveal classic CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration. The response to PDT was examined 1 (T1) and 5 (T2) weeks following treatment. At all visits distant visual acuity was measured and both fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography was carried out. RESULTS: One week after treatment (T1), complete closure of classic CNV had not been achieved in 17% of eyes (primary angiographic nonresponders). At T2, 91% of eyes showed reperfusion of the CNV. In 83% of the primary angiographic nonresponders the CNV size was larger than before treatment. Choroidal shadowing was present in 82% at T1 and in 48% at T2. CONCLUSIONS: Primary angiographic PDT nonresponders are relatively rare; however, in contrast to former reports, they exist and can be identified by follow-up examination 1 week after PDT. Recurrence of leakage occurred earlier than expected and may require closer follow-up and earlier retreatment than recommended by the TAP trial.     

Photodynamic therapy of experimental choroidal neovascularization with a hydrophilic photosensitizer: mono-L-aspartyl chlorin e6

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the selective localization of the hydrophilic photosensitizer mono-L-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) in experimental choroidal neovascularization in nonhuman primate eyes. METHODS: Sixty-seven experimental choroidal neovascular lesions (CNV) were created in the fundi of Macaca monkeys using the modified Ryan's model and documented by fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. To determine the biodistribution of NPe6 and the optimal timing of laser irradiation after dye administration, NPe6 angiography and fluorescence microscopy with NPe6 were performed. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was performed at various dye doses (0.5-10.0 mg/kg) and laser fluences (7.5-225.0 J/cm2) on the CNV and on 10 areas of normal retina and choroid. Treatment outcomes were assessed by fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and confirmed by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: NPe6 fluorescence microscopy demonstrated intense fluorescence of CNV and retinal pigment epithelial cells. Choroidal vessel walls and outer retina adjacent to CNV fluoresced moderately; retinal vessel walls and microcapillaries had trace fluorescence. The fluorescence of CNV lesions on fluorescein angiography became stronger than that of retinal vessels 20-60 minutes after dye injection. Choroidal neovascular lesion closure was achieved with NPe6 PDT without significant damage to the sensory retina. Histology demonstrated necrosis of CNV endothelial cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. CONCLUSIONS: NPe6 PDT selectively localizes to experimental CNV in nonhuman primates, resulting in occlusion of CNV with sparing of the neurosensory retina.     

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.     

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。     

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…     

Dreidimensionale Darstellung photodynamischer Effekte und des Spontanverlaufs bei chorioidalen Neovaskularisationen

PURPOSE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) induces occlusive and regenerative effects in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and physiological choroid. The process of vascular alteration is documented quantitatively and qualitatively by three-dimensional angiography. METHOD: In a prospective, randomized trial 30 patients with subfoveal CNV due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were treated with PDT or placebo. Fluorescence series with 32 tomographic images over a 4-mm depth were analyzed topographically and reproduced in a three-dimensional display. RESULTS: At initial presentation CNV lesions were documented as a well-defined prominence in all patients. In the verteporfin group CNV height continuously decreased with each interval. In the placebo group CNV slightly increased in height during the first 6 months and remained stable at about 90% of the initial prominence at long-term follow-up. After 12 months 44% of the patients in the verteporfin group developed an additional choroidal defect. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional angiography offers a reliable documentation of CNV progression and regression during PDT. A decrease in CNV size is associated with an increase in choroidal perfusion defects.     

光动力疗法治疗老年性黄斑变性的临床研究

目的
观察光动力疗法(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)进行单次和多次治疗的临床疗效。
方法
20例经双目间接立体检眼镜、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)检查确诊的AMD患者的31只患眼纳入治疗。患者年龄47～88岁，平均年龄68.1岁，最佳矫正视力在数指/10 cm～0.6之间。光敏剂苯并卟啉衍生物单酸(benzoporphyrin derivative mono acid, BPD)(中国诺华公司)6 mg／m 2静脉滴注10 min，开始静脉用药后15 min，通过裂隙灯用强度为50 J／cm2的689 nm激光(德国Zeiss公司)照射83 s。治疗后患者尽可能避光48 h。治疗后2周开始复查，每3个月随访1次，随访时间最短3个月，最长18个月，平均随访12个月。FFA和(或)ICGA显示病灶范围扩大、或渗漏增加，即进行重复PDT治疗。其中1只眼进行了4次治疗, 4只眼进行了2次治疗，其余26只眼均只进行了1次治疗。
结果
治疗后13只眼视力明显改善(视力提高≥2行)，占41.9%；17只眼视力稳定不变(视力波动在1行以内)，占54.8%；1只眼视力下降2行，占3.2%。所有患眼于PDT治疗后眼底出血和渗出均减轻；FFA或FFA+ICGA检查显示：PDT治疗后2周，CNV的渗漏明显减少或完全停止，复发或扩大的CNV经多次PDT治疗后，渗漏逐渐减少，3例5只眼渗漏完全停止。光相干断层成像术(optic coherence tomography, OCT)检查显示CNV周围视网膜脉络膜的水肿以及神经上皮脱离、色素上皮脱离明显好转。20例患者在PDT治疗过程中及治疗后未发生任何全身和局部不良反应。
结论
单次和重复PDT治疗可以部分或完全封闭AMD 的CNV，多次PDT治疗可以封闭CNV，降低AMD引起视力下降的危险性。PDT治疗不影响病灶周围的正常视网膜和脉络膜组织，对视力无损害。
(中华眼底病杂志, 2002, 18: 175-179)     

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)     

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.     

光动力疗法治疗渗出型老年性黄斑变性四年临床观察总结

目的 总结4年来光动力疗法（PDT）治疗渗出型老年性黄斑变性(AMD)的临床疗效，以评价PDT的长期治疗效果。 方法 回顾73例经双目间接检眼镜、荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)、吲哚青绿血管造影(ICGA)检查确诊的渗出型AMD患者的95只患眼行PDT治疗前后的临床资料，对比分析其视力、眼底像、FFA、ICGA和光相干断层扫描(OCT)检查结果的变化。73例患者平均年龄67.8岁，就诊时最佳矫正视力数指/10 cm～1.0。95只眼PDT平均治疗次数为1.5次，治疗后随访时间为3个月～4年。 结果 PDT治疗后末次随访时，39只眼视力提高≥2行，占41.1％；51只眼视力波动在1行以内，占53.7％；5只眼视力下降≥2行，占5.3％ 。所有患眼眼底出血和渗出均减轻。FFA或FFA联合ICGA检查显示：58只眼脉络膜新生血管（CNV）渗漏完全停止，转为瘢痕期，占61.05％；6只眼CNV部分闭合， 占6.32％；22只眼CNV小部分闭合，占23.16％；9只眼CNV复发，占9.47％。早期AMD患者12只眼经过1次PDT治疗后，最佳矫正视力0.6～1.5，CNV完全闭合，OCT检查显示黄斑区水肿及神经上皮脱离消失。随访时间最长达4年，未见有复发，视力保持稳定。 结论 单次和重复PDT治疗渗出型AMD长期疗效较好，安全性较高。对于早期渗出型AMD患者微小典型性CNV，单次PDT治疗可以使其完全封闭，使患者视力保持在较好的水平。 （中华眼底病杂志，2004，20：275-279）     

Photodynamic therapy: ICG angiographic findings

Purpose: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown to provide immediate occlusion of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), followed by recurrent leakage after single PDT in the majority of the cases after 3 months. Indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A) was used to evaluate completeness of CNV occlusion, effects on physiological choroid and patterns of CNV recurrence. Methods: ICG-A was performed using a confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscope (HRA) before PDT at 1 week, 4 and 12 weeks following PDT. Twenty patients with single and 10 patients with repeated PDT treatments with administration of benzoporphyrin derivative and radiant exposures between 50 and 150 J/cm² were evaluated. Results: Before PDT well-defined CNV was detectable during early ICG-A in all lesions. Depending on the number of treatments, CNV was absent in early phase ICG-A in 46–83 %. CNV reappeared at week 4 in many and at 12 weeks in 77 (66 %) of the cases. The treated area regularly showed hypofluorescence, which persisted until week 12. The intensity of choroidal hypofluorescence showed wide interindividual variability. Recurrence may originate from persistent feeder vessels. Conclusion: With ICG-A we demonstrated that PDT induces hypofluorescence of CNV and choroid possibly due to perfusion changes or blockade phenomena. Recurrence may be due to reperfusion of the preexisting CNV or regrowth from feeder vessels.