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）     

特发性脉络膜新生血管光动力疗法的疗效观察

目的观察光动力疗法（PDT）对特发性脉络膜新生血管（CNV）的治疗效果。方法对61例（61只眼）经荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）和吲哚氰绿眼底血管造影（ICGA）确诊的特发性CNV患者行PDT治疗,观察比较治疗前后眼底形态、视力、视网膜厚度、FFA和ICGA图像特征。PDT平均治疗次数为1、2次。随访时间为6～36个月,平均19个月。结果末次随访时,61只眼中,有41只眼视力提高（67.2％）,15只眼视力无明显变化（24.6％）,5只眼视力下降（8.2％）。经治疗后所有患眼黄斑出血及渗出均明显减轻。FFA图像显示38只眼的CNV荧光素渗漏完全消失,CNV闭合或瘢痕形成（62．3％）;4只眼CNV部分闭合（6.6％）,14只眼CNV小部分闭合（23．0％）,5只眼CNV复发（8．2％）。6只眼经1次PDT治疗CNV完全闭合,相干光断层扫描或视网膜厚度检查可见黄斑区神经上皮脱离及视网膜水肿消失,随访时间最长3年,未见CNV复发,视力保持稳定。研究结果经多重线性回归分析,表明治疗效果与年龄有关（t=0．476,P=0．016）,即年龄每提高一岁,治疗后视力平均下降0．008（95％CI为0．002～0．015）。结论PDT对特发性CNV有较好的治疗效果,特别对年轻患者效果更好些。（中华腰科杂志,2007,43：509-513）     

光动力疗法对病理性近视合并脉络膜新生血管患者的疗效观察

目的 观察光动力疗法（PDT）对病理性近视合并脉络膜新生血管（CNV）患者的疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析2003年6月至2006年4月行PDT治疗的27例（32只眼）病理性近视合并CNV患者的临床资料,比较患者治疗前后视力、荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）及相干光断层扫描（OCT）图像变化。结果27例患者的年龄为18～59岁,平均40岁;单眼CNV22例,双眼CNV5例;黄斑中心凹下CNV29只眼,旁中心凹CNV3只眼;近视度数为-6D～-12D,随访时间6个月至3年。末次随访时,视力提高两行以上者4只眼（12．5％）,保持稳定者27只眼（84．4％）,下降2行以上者1只眼（3．1％）;视物变形消失者29只眼（90．6％）。FFA检测显示伴有漆纹样裂纹者12只眼,CNV完全闭合者17只眼,部分闭合者9只眼,未闭合者6只眼。27例患者PDT治疗的平均次数为1．3次。结论PDT治疗病理性近视患者的CNV疗效满意,安全性较高,能显著降低中度和重度近视患者的视力下降,且症状明显减轻,可提高病理性近视患者的视觉生活质量。（中华跟科杂志,2007,43：638-641）     

光动力治疗脉络膜新生血管性疾病观察

目的 观察光动力疗法治疗脉络膜新生血管性疾病的临床疗效及安全性.方法 回顾性分析2010年9月至2012年6月在贵阳医学院附属医院眼科门诊采用维替泊芬光动力疗法(PDT)治疗脉络膜新生血管性疾病50例65只眼的临床效果,比较PDT治疗前后的视力、CNV范围、光学相干断层成像(OCT)、荧光素血管造影(FFA)、吲哚青绿血管造影(ICGA)等图像资料.年龄相关性黄斑变性(AMD) 35例50只眼;中心性渗出性脉络膜视网膜病变(CEC)5例5只眼;息肉状脉络膜血管病变(PCV)4例4只眼;病理性近视(PM)5例5只眼;外伤性脉络膜裂伤CNV1例1只眼.结果 全组50例65只眼PDT治疗后随访观察6个月,视力稳定和提高的AMD30只眼(60.00％)、CEC 4只眼(80.00％)、PCV 2只眼(50.00％)、PM 4只眼(80.00％)、脉络膜裂伤CNV 1只眼(100％);视力下降、CNV渗漏有进展的AMD 20只眼(40.00％)、CEC 1只眼(20.00％)、PCV 2只眼(50.00％)、PM 1只眼(20.00％).经ICGA、FFA检查发现CNV复发的30例30只眼,重复治疗2次的10例10只眼, 3次的3例3只眼.重复治疗时间:1个月者1例1只眼,3个月者8例8只眼,6个月者1例1只眼.所有病例均未见严重的不良反应.结论 PDT对治疗继发于不同病因的黄斑CNV安全、有效,可以减轻CNV的渗漏,延缓视力下降,但治疗后仍有复发需反复治疗.     

光动力疗法治疗中心性渗出性脉络膜视网膜病变疗效观察

目的观察光动力疗法(PDT)治疗中心性渗出性脉络膜视网膜病变(CEC)的临床疗效及安全性。方法回顾28例经眼底检查、荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)及光相干断层扫描(OCT)确诊的CEC患者28只患眼PDT治疗前后的临床资料,对比分析治疗前后的视力、眼底像、FFA及OCT检查结果,统计重复治疗的次数,观察治疗的安全性。28例患者平均年龄31.5岁,就诊时最佳矫正视力0.02~0.8。28只眼共治疗38次,其中,22只眼治疗1次,3只眼治疗2次,2只眼治疗3次,1只眼治疗4次。PDT治疗后平均随访时间26个月。结果PDT治疗后末次随访时,视力提高≥2行的视力明显改善者21只眼,占75.00%;视力波动在1行以内的视力稳定者5只眼,占17.86%;视力下降≥2行的视力下降者2只眼,占7.14%。FFA检查显示:21只眼CNV完全闭合,占75.00%;3只眼CNV部分闭合,占10.71%;4只眼CNV未闭合或CNV扩大,占14.29%。有6只眼出现视网膜色素上皮损害,占21.43%。结论PDT治疗CEC对于大多数患者是安全有效的,对于小病变,可以适当减小光斑治疗;对于一次治疗效果不佳的患者,重复治疗应考虑其病因。     

经瞳孔温热疗法治疗老年黄斑变性合并脉络膜新生血管

目的观察经瞳孔温热疗法（TTT）治疗老年性黄斑变性（AMD）合并脉络膜新生血管（CNV）的疗效。方法应用810nin半导体激光，对52例（58只眼）经荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）和吲哚青绿脉络膜血管造影（ICGA）确诊的AMD合并黄斑区CNV患者进行TIT治疗。激光功率130～160mW／mm光斑直径。根据视力、视网膜出血和CNV渗漏变化作为疗效评定标准，随访3～18个月。结果末次随访矫正视力提高1〉2行者19只眼（32．7％），不变30只眼（51．7％），下降〉12行者9只眼（15．5％）；其中视力〉0．3者8只眼（13．7％），0．1～0．3者15只眼（25．8％），〈0．1者35只眼（60．3％）。所有患者治疗过程中无不适反应，有3例（3只眼）病灶处视网膜可见轻微发灰，中心视力下降2～3行，2个月后完全恢复。1周时2例（2只眼）出血增加，2～3个月时2例（2只眼）出现视网膜色素上皮撕裂。末诊时9只眼（17．3％）机化瘢痕形成或增厚；22只眼视网膜出血中完全吸收18只眼（81．8％）；6只眼（10．3％）出现新出血。FFA和ICGA复查，CNV闭合荧光渗漏消失或减轻40只眼（76．9％）；加重5只眼（9．6％）；新出现3只眼（5．8％）。结论TIT是治疗AMD合并CNV的一种安全、有效、价格相对便宜的方法，早期诊断、治疗CNV对提高和保存有用视力意义重大，目前更适合国内应用。     

渗出型老年性黄斑变性重复光动力疗法的临床观察

目的 总结2002年7月至2005年3月光动力疗法（PDT）治疗渗出型老年黄斑变性（AMD），重复治疗病例的疗效和临床特点。 方法 回顾分析渗出型AMD患者78例94只眼采用PDT治疗，患者平均年龄68.4岁,治疗次数为132次，平均1.4次,其中22例30只眼接受重复PDT治疗,占治疗总数31.9%。30只眼共进行PDT治疗68次，其中2次22只眼，占73.3%；3次7只眼，占23.3%；6次1只眼，占3.3%。随诊时间3~32个月,平均随诊时间16.7个月。 结果 PDT治疗后末次随诊检查时，荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)或FFA联合吲哚青绿血管造影(ICGA)检查显示CNV渗漏停止14只眼，占46.7%；渗漏减少12只眼，占40%；持续渗漏4只眼，占13.3%。与首次PDT治疗前相比，末次检查矫正视力提高≥2行7只眼，占23.3%；视力波动在上下1行以内14只眼，占43.3%；视力下降≥2行9只眼，占30%。首次PDT后最佳矫正视力13只眼视力提高≥2行，占43.3%；12只眼视力波动在上下1行之内，占40%；5只眼视力下降≥2行，占16.7%。在随诊期中，最佳矫正视力出现在首次PDT后24只眼，占80%；有5只眼出现在2次PDT后，占16.7%；1只眼出现在3次PDT后，占3.3%。 结论 在重复PDT治疗患者中，末次随诊检查大部分眼CNV能完全或部分闭合，视力提高和维持者占67.8%，最佳矫正视力多出现在首次PDT后,随着PDT治疗次数的增加，最佳矫正视力出现的概率减小。 (中华眼底病杂志, 2006, 22: 220-223)     

光动力疗法治疗国人常见脉络膜新生血管疾病的二年随访观察

目的研究光动力疗法（PDT）治疗年龄相关性黄斑变性（AMD）、病理性近视（PM）和特发性脉络膜新生血管形成（CNV）三种国内常见CNV相关疾病的长期效果和安全性。设计回顾性病例系列。研究对象2005年6月至2007年12月西京医院眼科确诊的CNV患者91例（101眼）。方法患者经常规PDT治疗,治疗后每3个月进行复查,复发的患者再次行PDT治疗。观察治疗前与治疗后12、24个月时患者的最佳矫正视力（BCVA,ETDRS视力表）、荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）图像上CNV病灶情况、治疗次数及不良事件等。患者治疗后均完成24个月随访。主要指标BCVA,CNV病灶大小和活动性。结果AMD、PM和特发性CNV的平均治疗次数分别为1．50、1．38和1．19次。AMD组治疗后BCVA和CNV病灶大小均无明显变化,保持稳定;PM组和特发性CNV组视力提高（分别为7．0和7．7个字母,7．6和11．6个字母）,并且CNV病灶缩小。三组病例视力稳定和提高者12个月时分别为77．1％、76．2％和87．5％;24个月时为79．2％、81．0％和87．5％。CNV进展者12个月时各组分别为18．8％、19．0％和12．5％;24个月时为14．6％、14．3％和6．2％。除3例（2．2％）AMD患者因玻璃体积血和视网膜色素上皮撕裂导致眼部严重不良反应外,未发现其他严重不良反应。结论在2年的随访期间,PDT可安全有效地改善或稳定我国临床常见CNV患者的视功能,控制病变进展。     

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)     

光动力疗法联合抗血管内皮生长因子单克隆抗体Bevacizumab治疗渗出型老年性黄斑变性临床观察

目的 观察光动力疗法(PDT)联合玻璃体腔注射抗血管内皮生长因子单克隆抗体Bevacizumab治疗渗出型老年性黄斑变性(AMD)脉络膜新生血管(CNV)的安全性和临床疗效 。 方法 经视力、眼压、眼底检查、眼底彩色照相、荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA ）或（和）吲哚青绿血管造影（ICGA）、光相干断层扫描（OCT）检查确诊的21例渗出型AMD 患者的21只眼纳入治疗。 患者中男性15例15只眼，女性6例6只眼。年龄56～78岁, 平均年龄686岁。矫正视力：数 指/10 cm～0.9，logMAR视力为0.89±0.21。病程10 d～2年。平均眼压（14.96±2.65 ）mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)。CNV位于黄斑中心凹下或中心凹旁，FFA或(和)ICGA检查均 有明显的荧光素渗漏；平均黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度（228.45±18.54） μm。PDT治疗按照 PDT治疗AMD（TAP）研究组和维替泊芬PDT治疗（VIP）研究组的方法进行。3 d后在表面麻醉下给予1.5 mg Bevacizumab玻璃体腔注射。治疗后第1、3、6、12个月随访。 结果 末次随访时,矫正视力：数指/10 cm～1.5，logMAR视力为0.42±0.18，与治疗前平均视力比较，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）。其中，视力提高4行以上者6只眼，占 28.57%；提高2～4行者9只眼, 占42.86%；视力稳定或波动在1行以内者6只眼，占28.57% ；无视力下降者。治疗后平均眼压（15.20±2.41）mm Hg，与治疗前平均眼压比较 ，差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。FFA或(和)ICGA检查CNV完全闭合13只眼，占61.90%；大部分闭合8只眼，占38.10%。平均黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度（157.67±19.32）μm，与手术前平均黄斑中心凹厚度比较，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）。 结论 PDT联合玻璃体腔注射Bevacizumab治疗渗出型AMD的CNV疗效较好，能较明显提高视力 ，促使CNV渗漏停止或减轻，促使视网膜水肿消退或减轻，安全性高。 (中华眼底病杂志,2008,24:164-167)     

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 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.     

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）     

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.     

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.     

Clinical effects of photodynamic therapy with Verteporfin for age-related macular degeneration 1: three-month results

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 3-month effects after one-time photodynamic therapy (PDT) for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The subjects were 122 patients with subfoveal CNV due to AMD detected by fluorescein angiography (FA). FA, indocyanine-green angiography (IA), and the examination of visual acuity were done before and 3 months after PDT. The diameter of CNV in FA was compared, and ophthalmological examination before the treatment determined whether there were any factors associated with a reduction or suppression of CNV. RESULTS: 3 months after PDT, 89 eyes had a significant (p < 0.001) reduction of CNV (41 eyes had blockage of CNV). In case of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) detected by IA, CNV was significantly reduced compared with the effects of other types of therapy (p = 0.032). Moreover, CNV was blocked significantly when fibrin tissue was present on a part of CNV before treatment (p = 0.026). Visual acuity was maintained or improved in 96 eyes. CONCLUSION: One-time PDT was effective in reducing or suppressing CNV as confirmed by FA.     

Photodynamic therapy of idiopathic and inflammatory choroidal neovascularization in young adults

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis, Duluth, GA) in young adults. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen eyes of 17 patients with classic, subfoveal CNV treated with PDT using verteporfin, excluding eyes with CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration, angioid streaks, and myopia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Snellen visual acuity before and after PDT. RESULTS: Nineteen eyes were followed an average of 12.8 months (range, 4-33 months) after PDT. Before treatment, visual acuity measured > or = 20/40 in 0 eyes (0.0%), < 20/40 to > 20/200 in 11 eyes (57.9%), and < or =20/200 in 8 eyes (42.1%). After treatment, visual acuity measured > or =20/40 in four eyes (21.1%), < 20/40 to > 20/200 in eight eyes (42.1%), and < or =20/200 in seven eyes (36.8%). Six eyes (31.6%) underwent retreatment, with only two eyes retreated twice. Four eyes underwent eventual surgical removal of the CNV after PDT. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy seems to be useful in stabilizing and improving visual acuity in young adults with subfoveal CNV secondary to idiopathic and inflammatory etiologies.     

Combined photodynamic therapy with verteporfin and intravitreal bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To examine the 7-month results for patients treated with combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin and intravitreal bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: This is a retrospective series of 24 eyes with juxtafoveal or subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD. Patients were treated with PDT with verteporfin and 1.25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab. All patients were naive to treatment and had either treatment within a 14-day interval. Main outcome measures were visual acuity stabilization (defined as no change or a gain in visual acuity) and retreatment rate. RESULTS: At the 7-month follow-up, 20 (83%) of 24 patients had stabilization of visual acuity. Sixteen eyes (67%) had improvement in visual acuity. Mean improvement in visual acuity (n = 24) was 2.04 Snellen lines. Fifteen eyes (63%) required only a single combined treatment for CNV resolution. There were no complications, including endophthalmitis, uveitis, and ocular hypertension. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that combined treatment of PDT with verteporfin and intravitreal bevacizumab may be useful in treating neovascular AMD by reducing retreatment rates and improving visual acuity. Further investigation with large, controlled trials is warranted to outline the appropriate treatment paradigm for combination therapy.     

Photodynamic therapy in practice: a review of the results of the first 12 months experience with verteporfin at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

Purpose: To review the 12‐month results of the first 136 eyes treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin at a single institution, and to determine if this treatment when used in the broader community could reproduce the results achieved in the Treatment of Age‐related Macular Degeneration (AMD) with PDT (TAP) study. Methods: A record of all patients who first received PDT with verteporfin at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital between the time of its introduction in February 2000 and February 2001 was prospectively maintained. The medical charts of these cases were reviewed and fluorescein angiograms were graded. Eyes with AMD were classified into three groups: TAP comparable if they had predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and visual acuity between 6/12 and 6/60; VIP comparable if they had occult but no classic subfoveal CNV and visual acuity better than 6/36; and PDT ineligible if they fell outside recommended eligibility guidelines of the TAP/VIP studies. The main outcome measure was visual acuity change, with total number of treatments a secondary outcome variable. Results: A total of 136 eyes of 130 patients began PDT during this period. The baseline angiogram and clinical data were available for 123 eyes (90%), and these were reviewed. Fourteen eyes had non‐AMD related CNV, while 109 eyes of 105 patients had AMD. Of the 109 AMD related lesions, 72 (66%) were TAP comparable, six (5.5%) were VIP comparable and 31 (28%) were PDT ineligible. At the 12‐month visit the proportion of TAP comparable eyes with same or better vision was 36/72 (50%), compared to 13/31 (42%) of the PDT ineligible eyes (P = 0.45). Only 30/72 (42%) of the TAP comparable eyes were still undergoing regular angiographic and clinical assessment (similar to the TAP protocol) at the time of the 12 month visit. The number of these who had same or better vision at 12 months was 17/30 (57%) compared to 19/42 (44%) TAP comparable eyes without regular angiographic follow up to 12 months (P = 0.37). Conclusions: When used according to the guidelines estab­lished by the TAP study, the visual acuity results with PDT approached those achieved in the TAP study. When eyes were either enrolled outside the TAP study eligibility guidelines, or were not actively followed up over the 12‐month period as per TAP study guidelines, the visual outcome was similar to natural history of CNV secondary to AMD.