Transpupillary thermotherapy of occult CNV with no or minimally classic CNV in age-related macular degeneration

Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) has been suggested as a putative treatment for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This prospective study comprised 66 consecutive patients referred for exudative AMD with predominantly occult subfoveal CNV. Based on fluorescein angiography, there were 38 cases with occult CNV only, and 28 eyes with minimally classic CNV as well. Visual acuity was determined using the logarithmic ETDRS chart. For TTT a diode laser (810nm) with a power of 800 mW or 500-600 mW for a 3.0 mm spot was used (duration 60 sec.). Follow-up included clinical examination with biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography at 2-3 months and 6 months in all cases. In the entire case material (n = 66), the mean visual acuity was preoperatively 20/125 (47.4 letters) and postoperatively 20/160 (41.8 letters) yielding a decay of 5.6 letters ("one line"). Visual acuity improved in 8 cases (12.1%), deteriorated in 17 (25.8%), and remained stable in 74.2%. In purely occult CNV visual acuity remained stable in 81.6% as compared to 64.3% in occult & minimally classic CNV; the former subgroup lost on the average 3.6 letters, the latter 8.3 letters (close to "two lines") over 6 months. The proportion of eyes losing at least 15 letters was 13.2% in purely occult CNV versus 35.7% in the occult & minimally classic subgroup. In 39 of 66 cases (59.1%) fluorescein leakage regressed to staining only concomitant with absorption of subretinal fluid. Complications associated with deterioration of visual acuity (17 cases) included postoperative hemorrhage, increase of exudation on angiography, and progressive fibrosis. The results indicate that TTT stabilizes visual acuity concomitant with regression of exudation and resorption of subretinal fluid in the majority of cases with predominantly occult CNV Cases with occult CNV only seem to do better than those with minimally classic CNV as well. The safety and complication rate appear to be acceptable. A randomized controlled trial is in progress.     

Transpupillary thermotherapy of predominantly occult choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration with 12 months follow-up

PURPOSE: To perform a phase I/II safety and efficacy study in order to assess the outcome following transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with no or minimally classic CNV in age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: The study comprised 113 referred patients (79 females, 34 males) aged 59-89 years (mean 77.7 years) with predominantly occult CNV. There were 49 cases of occult with no classic CNV and 64 of occult with minimally classic CNV. According to their greatest linear dimension, lesions were classified as being < 3.0 mm or > 3.0 mm. Transpupillary thermotherapy was delivered with a diode laser, emission at 810 nm, duration 60 seconds, laser power 500-800 mW. Clinical examination, ETDRS logMAR visual acuity and fluorescein angiography were carried out at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months in all cases. RESULTS: The average baseline visual acuity was 0.20 (50.6 letters). Following TTT, it was 0.12 (42.0 letters) at 6 months and 0.12 (38.0 letters) at 12 months. Visual acuity improved in 9/113 eyes (8.0%), remained unchanged in 46 (40.7%) eyes, and deteriorated in 58 (51.3%) eyes. There was no significant difference in the proportion of eyes that had lost at least 15 letters at 12 months in the subgroup of occult with no classic CNV (18/49; 36.7%) versus those with minimally classic lesions < 3.0 mm (15/39; 38.5%). However, 13/25 (52.0%) of cases with minimally classic lesions > 3.0 mm had lost at least 15 letters at 12 months (p = 0.31). The most common complications in the 46 eyes that suffered visual loss comprised subretinal progressive fibrosis (18 eyes) and atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (13 eyes). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that TTT generally prevents moderate and severe visual loss at 12 months follow-up in occult CNV with no classic CNV. Eyes with minimally classic lesions with a greatest linear dimension of < 3.0 mm also show the same positive outcome. These results compare favourably with published data on the natural course of the disease. However, minimally classic lesions of > 3.0 mm responded poorly in this treatment setting.     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin following transpupillary thermotherapy for CNV evolving from an initially occult to a predominantly classic form, in patients with AMD

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the management of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that converted from occult CNV to classic CNV after treatment with transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). One hundred and fifty-four eyes of 130 patients with symptomatic occult CNV were treated between June 2000 and August 2001. We have analyzed data from patients treated with PDT because of a conversion from occult to classic CNV after TTT. The results were that twenty-four of 154 eyes developed a predominantly classic CNV; 20 eyes of 19 consecutive patients were treated with PDT with verteporfin. The mean follow-up period was 10 months. The mean delay for retreatment with TTT was 3 months; 3 eyes initially presented a pure occult CNV, 15 a minimally classic CNV, 1 an occult CNV with pigment epithelial detachment, and 1 a large macular subretinal hemorrhage with a subfoveal focal hot spot. The average classic component within a lesion before TTT was 20%. Recurrence of classic CNV was noted in the first 3 months for 14 eyes. Visual acuity improved in 5 eyes by >/=2 lines, and in 2 eyes by 1 line; 4 of 20 eyes had stabilized visual acuity; 7 eyes had a visual acuity decline of >/=2 lines; 2 eyes lost 1 line. All patients had reduction of metamorphopsia and reduction of exudation; 14 eyes had a little subretinal fibrosis and some partially atrophic areas; 6 eyes had slightly increased leakage in the late phase of the angiogram. In conclusion, association of TTT and PDT appears to be safe and may help practitioners to manage some difficult cases. This study seems to confirm the great efficacy of PDT in CNV with recent activity.     

Transpupillary thermotherapy in exudative age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: Assessment of TTT results in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised of 65 patients (73 eyes), in age 50-84 years (average age-75 yrs). The diagnosis of exudative AMD was established on the basis of fundus examination and fluorescein angiography (FA) and in some cases on indocyanine green angiography. The baseline visual acuity (VA) ranged from counting fingers at 50 cm to 0.8. In 31 (42.5%) eyes occult CNV, in 11 (15%) minimally classic CNV and in 31 (42.5%) eyes predominantly classic CNV were observed. Subfoveal CNV was present in 70 (95.9%) eyes and perifoveal in 3 (4.1%). TTT was delivered using a diode laser at 810 nm wavelength, a spot size of 1.2 to 4.5 mm and a duration of 60 seconds for each spot with power settings between 320-800 mW. Follow-up examinations were carried out every 10-12 weeks. In cases with persistent leakage from CNV in late frames of FA a retreatment was performed. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 28 months (average - 9.8 months). RESULTS: Visual acuity improved in 22 (30.1%) eyes, stabilized in 34 (46.6%) and deteriorated in 17 (23.3%). Fluorescein angiography showed no CNV leakage in 58 (79.5%) eyes. In 56 (71.8%) with regression of leakage in fluorescein angiography improvement or stabilization of visual acuity was detected. Subretinal haemorrhages after TTT were observed in 4 eyes (5.5%). At the end of the follow-up period fibrosis of CNV was detected in 12 eyes (16.4%). CONCLUSIONS: TTT is effective and safe method of treatment of occult and classic CNV in a course of wet AMD. In a majority of cases TTT results in total or partial regression of CNV and stabilization of visual acuity.     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin following transpupillary thermotherapy for CNV evolving from an initially occult to a predominantly classic form,in patients with AMD

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the management of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that converted from occult CNV to classic CNV after treatment with transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). One hundred and fifty-four eyes of 130 patients with symptomatic occult CNV were treated between June 2000 and August 2001. We have analyzed data from patients treated with PDT because of a conversion from occult to classic CNV after TTT. The results were that twenty-four of 154 eyes developed a predominantly classic CNV; 20 eyes of 19 consecutive patients were treated with PDT with verteporfin. The mean follow-up period was 10 months. The mean delay for retreatment with TTT was 3 months; 3 eyes initially presented a pure occult CNV, 15 a minimally classic CNV, 1 an occult CNV with pigment epithelial detachment, and 1 a large macular subretinal hemorrhage with a subfoveal focal hot spot. The average classic component within a lesion before TTT was 20%. Recurrence of classic CNV was noted in the first 3 months for 14 eyes. Visual acuity improved in 5 eyes by ≥2 lines, and in 2 eyes by 1 line; 4 of 20 eyes had stabilized visual acuity; 7 eyes had a visual acuity decline of ≥2 lines; 2 eyes lost 1 line. All patients had reduction of metamorphopsia and reduction of exudation; 14 eyes had a little subretinal fibrosis and some partially atrophic areas; 6 eyes had slightly increased leakage in the late phase of the angiogram. In conclusion, association of TTT and PDT appears to be safe and may help practitioners to manage some difficult cases. This study seems to confirm the great efficacy of PDT in CNV with recent activity.     

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.     

Visual function following transpupillary thermotherapy with adjusted laser parameters for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration: a pilot study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) using adjusted laser parameters for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: TTT was performed on patients with CNV using a diode laser (810 nm) for 60 s in a subthreshold manner. Power settings were varied between 460 and 1200 mW, depending on lesion size, presence of pigment epithelial detachment and the amount of fundal pigmentation and subretinal fluid. LogMAR visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson) and metamorphopsia (Amsler chart) were assessed prior to and 6 months following treatment. Subjects also self-administered the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty occult/minimally classic and eight predominantly classic membranes were treated with TTT. At 6 months, absence or significant reduction of fluorescein leakage was observed in 20 (53%) patients. Stabilization of vision (loss of less than 15 letters) was observed in 25/30 (83%) eyes with occult/minimally classic CNV and 5/8 (63%) eyes with predominantly classic CNV. Improvement of contrast sensitivity was noted in 15 (35%) eyes, in 10 (26%) eyes it remained unchanged and in 13 (34%) eyes it deteriorated. There was no statistically significant effect of TTT on the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire composite or subscale scores. CONCLUSIONS: TTT using adjusted parameters depending on fundal characteristics appears to be effective in stabilizing subjective and objective visual ability in a considerable number of patients with subfoveal CNV due to age-related macular degeneration. Larger-scale studies are required to confirm the benefit of this technique as opposed to the natural history of occult CNV.     

经瞳孔温热疗法治疗老年黄斑变性所致黄斑中心凹下脉络膜新生血管的长期观察(英文)

目的:评价经瞳孔温热疗法(TTT)治疗年龄相关性黄斑变性(AMD)所致黄斑中心凹下脉络膜新生血管(CNV)的长期疗效。方法:AMD所致黄斑中心凹下脉络膜新生血管14例14眼。平均年龄67.1岁。记录详尽的眼科检查结果,拍摄彩色眼底相,并行黄斑部光学相干断层成像(OCT)检查。在初诊及随后的复诊中行眼底荧光素血管造影和吲哚青绿血管造影。TTT的治疗参数为:时间1min,光斑大小2 ~3mm,激光能量650 ~800mW。随诊时间5 ~64mo,平均28.6mo。结果:在14眼中,典型性CNV有10眼,典型为主性有2眼,1眼为少量典型性,1型隐匿性CNV有1眼。共4例患者出现治疗后出血,均在短期内吸收。有1眼在治疗后立刻出现了黄斑无灌注区。多数患眼在随诊中可见渗出逐渐减少。在平均28.6mo的随诊中,14只患眼,有5眼视力提高,8眼保持稳定,1眼视力下降。结论:经瞳孔温热疗法在AMD患者中能封闭黄斑中心凹下的CNV,促进网膜下积液的迅速吸收,从而稳定患者的视力。它可以作为一种治疗典型和典型为主性黄斑中心凹下脉络膜新生血管的激光治疗手段。     

Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for age-related macular degeneration

Purpose. To review the results of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) on choroidal neovascular membranes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Materials and Methods. 35 eyes of 35 patients with AMD and choroidal neovascularization and exudation were treated with TTT and had fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography (FA) before and at least six months after TTT. 28 eyes had predominantly occult lesions as seen on FA, while 7 demonstrated primarily classic lesions. All were treated with 650 mw power or less using the 810 nm diode laser (3000 micron spot, duration of 60 seconds). Visual acuity, lesion size, and amount of subretinal fluid were determined by results of examination and review of photographs and fluorescein angiograms. Results. A 50% reduction in subretinal fluid was achieved in 67% of treated eyes overall, with stabilization of vision (less than three lines of visual acuity lost) in 86%. Complications from treatment were infrequent (9%) and involved hemorrhage noted in the region of treatment upon follow-up. Conclusion. TTT promotes resolution of subretinal fluid and appears to stabilize visual acuity in patients with exudative AMD.     

Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To review the results of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) on choroidal neovascular membranes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 35 eyes of 35 patients with AMD and choroidal neovascularization and exudation were treated with TTT and had fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography (FA) before and at least six months after TTT. 28 eyes had predominantly occult lesions as seen on FA, while 7 demonstrated primarily classic lesions. All were treated with 650mw power or less using the 810 nm diode laser (3000 micron spot, duration of 60 seconds). Visual acuity, lesion size, and amount of subretinal fluid were determined by results of examination and review of photographs and fluorescein angiograms. RESULTS: A 50% reduction in subretinal fluid was achieved in 67% of treated eyes overall, with stabilization of vision (less than three lines of visual acuity lost) in 86%. Complications from treatment were infrequent (9%) and involved hemorrhage noted in the region of treatment upon follow-up. CONCLUSION: TTT promotes resolution of subretinal fluid and appears to stabilize visual acuity in patients with exudative AMD.     

经瞳孔温热疗法和光动力疗法治疗渗出型老年性黄斑变性短期疗效比较

目的 比较经瞳孔温热疗法(TTT) 和光动力疗法(PDT)治疗渗出型 老年性黄斑变性(AMD)脉络膜新生血管(CNV)的疗效。 方法 对比分析渗出性AMD患者行PDT 治疗的35例42只眼、TTT治疗的35例40只眼治疗前和治疗后3个月的临床资料。所有患者治疗前后均进行视力 、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 。CNV类型均为黄斑中心凹下型或旁中心凹型。其中，隐匿性或隐匿性为主型的CNV44只眼 ，典型性及典型性为主型的CNV38只眼。PDT治疗的42只眼中，隐匿性或隐匿性为主型CNV19只眼，典型性或典型性为主型CNV23眼；TTT治疗的40只眼中，隐匿性或隐匿性为主型CNV25只眼，典型性及典型性为主型CNV15只眼。 结果 典型性或典型性为主型CNV治疗后1、3个月时，PDT组分别有47.8%、43.5%的患眼视力提高2行以上；TTT组分别有6.7%、6.7%的患眼视力提高2行以上。两组之间治疗后1、3个月时视力提高的比例比较，差异均有显著性的意义（χ2=7.118,P=0.0076；χ2=5.500,P=0.0190）。PDT组分别有100%、69.6%的患眼CNV荧光素渗漏停止或改善；TTT组分别有53.2%、80.0%的患眼CNV荧光素渗漏停止或改善。两组之间治疗后1个月时CNV荧光素渗漏停止或改善的比例比较，差异有显著性的意义（χ2=13.16,P=0.0003）；3个月时CNV荧光素渗漏停止或改善的比例比较，差异无显著性的意义（χ2=0.5098,P=0.4752）。隐匿性或隐匿性为主型CNV治疗后1、3个月时，PDT组分别有15.8% 、10.5%的患眼视力提高2行以上；TTT组分别有4.0%、8.0%的患眼视力提高2行以上。两组之间治疗后1、3个月时视力提高的比例比较，差异均无显著性的意义（χ2=1.816,P=0.17 78；χ2=0.0838,P=0.7728）。PDT组分别有78。9%、42.1% 的患眼CNV荧光素渗漏停止或改善；TTT组分别有52.0%、84.0%的患眼CNV荧光素渗漏停止或改善。两组之间治疗后1个月时CNV荧光素渗漏停止或改善的比例比较，差异无显著性的意义（2=3.388,P=0.0657）；3个月时CNV荧光素渗漏停止或改善的比例比较，差异具有显著性的意义（χ2=8.433,P=0.0037）。 结论 典型性及典型性为主型CNV治疗后3个月视力结果PDT优于TTT；治疗后1个月时FFA检查渗漏改善PDT明显优于TTT，但随诊至3个月时，二者疗效差异无显著性的意义。隐匿性或隐匿性为主型CNV治疗后3个月视力结果PDT与TTT差异无显著性的意义；治疗后1个月FFA检查渗漏改善改善PDT与TTT差异无显著性的意义，但随诊至3个月时，CNV渗漏消失和减少方面TTT疗效明显好于PDT。尚需要更多的病例及更长的随诊时间来评价两种治疗方法的疗效.（中华眼底病杂志，2004，20：285-288）     

Transpupillary thermotherapy for treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration in Japanese patients

PURPOSE: To report the therapeutic outcome of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for subfoveal choroidal neovascularizarion (CNV) in brown retina using a diode-laser with the setting of lower energy level compared to the previous studies on light-pigmented Caucasian patients. METHODS: A total of 19 subfoveal CNVs in 18 patients were treated with TTT. The power of diode-laser was set 160 mW for 1.2 mm beam, 270 mW for 2.0 mm beam, and 400 mW for 3.0 mm beam, and the laser was delivered for 1 min through a slit-lamp mounted-delivery system. Patients were followed up for a mean of 8.8 months (4-12 months). Visual acuity and the fundus change as judged by funduscopic examination and simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were evaluated. Visual acuity was measured by a Japanese standard Landolt visual acuity chart and converted to logarithm of the minimal angle resolution (log MAR) visual acuity for statistical analysis. Improvement or decline in vision was defined as change of more than 0.2 in log MAR visual acuity. RESULTS: In eyes with minimally classic or occult only CNV, visual acuity improved in two eyes (18%) stabilized in seven eyes (64%) and worsened in two eyes (18%). In eyes with predominantly classic CNV, visual acuity improved in two eyes (25%), stabilized in four eyes (50%) and worsened in two eyes (25%). In all, 15 (84%) eyes of all studied subjects had improvement in exudation. Two (11%) and one (5%) eye(s) were noted to have a significant post-treatment haemorrhage and retinal pigment epithelial tear, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with brown retinal colour, the treatment outcome of TTT was comparable to that of light-pigmented Caucasian patients with approximately half the laser power energy. Further randomized control studies are warranted.     

经瞳孔温热疗法治疗渗出型老年性黄斑变性合并中心凹下脉络膜新生血管

目的 观察经瞳孔温热疗法(TTT)治疗渗出型老年性黄斑变性(AMD)合并中心凹下脉络膜新生血管(CNV)的疗效.方法 回顾分析经TTT治疗的渗出型AMD患者41例44只眼的临床资料.所有患者均经荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)检查确诊.其中,隐匿性CNV24例26只眼,典型性CNV12例12只眼,微小典型性CNV5例5只眼.采用810 nm半导体激光进行TTT治疗.根据病灶大小选择光斑直径范围1.20～3.00 mm,能量范围160～400 mw,时间60 s.治疗次数1～3次.平均治疗1.48次,治疗后随访3～24个月,平均随访10.80个月.末次随访者40例42只眼.分别以治疗后1、3个月及末次随访时视力、眼底、FFA及光相十断层扫描(OCT)检查结果作为患眼视功能及病灶变化的观察指标,对比观察治疗前后视力改变、眼底出血渗出吸收、CNV闭合情况.结果 末次随访的42只眼中,视力不变或提高者35只眼,占83.34%;视力较治疗前减退者7只眼,占16.67%.OCT检查显示,治疗后1、3个月和末次随访时黄斑区渗液者减少率分别为79.50%、86.40%和88.10%.治疗后3个月,所有患眼黄斑容积较治疗前显著减少,差异有统计学意义(t=1.96,P=0.01);但治疗后1个月和末次随访时黄斑容积较治疗前相比,差异无统计学意义(t=1.17,0.92;P=0.19,0.83).FFA检查显示,末次随访时隐匿性、典型性和微小典型性CNV的闭合率分别为79.16%、46.15%和60.00%.仅6只眼渗漏较治疗前增加.其中,典型性CNV 5只眼,微小典型性CNV1只眼.结论 TTT治疗渗出型AMD合并典型性、隐匿型及微小典型性CNV均有一定效果.     

Transpupillary thermotherapy for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration in Taiwan

PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic outcome and the recurrence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in light-brown retinas. METHODS: A retrospective, non-randomized study of 58 eyes in 55 patients with subfoveal CNV treated with TTT was conducted. Power settings were set about half the value for Caucasian eyes. The outcome was assessed with best-corrected visual acuity, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and fundoscopic examination. RESULTS: Forty-four membranes were occult, six classic, and eight mixed. Mean follow-up was 16.6+/-10.7 months (range: 6-48 months). Membranes closed in 46 eyes. Iatrogenic complications included three subretinal haemorrhage, two retinal pigment epithelium tears, and two macular area cystic changes. In eyes with occult CNV, visual acuity improved in six (13.6%), 14 (31.8%) remained unchanged, and 24 (54.6%) deteriorated. For various CNV, average logMAR changes from baseline at last follow-up were 0.30 in occult, -0.08 in classic, and 0.59 in mixed (P<0.01). Thirty eyes experienced recurrence within 9.2+/-6.2 months (range: 2-22 months). Cumulative recurrence rate was 45% at 12 months and 71% at 22 months, with no significant difference between occult and non-occult type CNV. CONCLUSIONS: Transpupillary thermotherapy does not cure CNV secondary to AMD. High recurrence was found independent of CNV type. Most improved vision was found mostly in classic CNV. Complications associated with high energy level should be considered in light-brown retinas.     

Macular infarction after transpupillary thermotherapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To report the complication of macular infarction after transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Interventional case reports. METHODS: Among 107 consecutive patients with subfoveal CNV due to AMD, a 73-year-old woman with recurrent subfoveal classic choroidal neovascularization and a 76-year-old man with subfoveal occult choroidal neovascularization with adjacent areas of geographic retinal pigment epithelium atrophy noted a severe decrease in visual acuity and photopsias within hours of undergoing TTT. RESULTS: Both patients had marked whitening of the macula clinically and closure of the perifoveal capillaries on fluorescein angiography. Immediately after treatment their visual acuity decreased from 20/200 to 6/200 and from 20/400 to 2/200, respectively. Several months later, all exudation had resolved and their visual acuity had stabilized at 20/100 and 20/200, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Macular infarction is a rare complication that occurred in two of 107 patients undergoing TTT for subfoveal CNV due to AMD. The presence of geographic retinal pigment epithelium atrophy or a previous laser treatment scar in the macular region may predispose patients to this complication.     

经瞳孔温热疗法治疗老年性黄斑变性合并中心凹下脉络膜新生血管

目的 观察经瞳孔温热疗法（TTT）治疗老年性黄斑变性（AMD） 合并中心凹下脉络 膜新生血管（CNV）的疗效。 方法 采用半导体810红外激光对荧光素眼 底血管造影（FFA）和吲哚青绿血管造影(ICGA)检查确诊的AMD合并CNV患者47例51只眼进行治疗。其中，隐匿型CNV40例42只眼,经典型CNV7例9只眼；初诊时平均视力为0.12。根据病灶大小选择光斑直径分别为0.8、1、2、3.0 mm；能量相应为120、160、260、360 mW；时间60s。治疗后 每1个月随访复查1次，如有需要，进行重复治疗，治疗次数1~3次。治疗后随访3~33个月，平均随访时间10个月。随访时检查视力、眼底出血和渗出吸收、CNV闭合情况。 结果 治疗眼治疗后均无即刻视力下降或其他不适。末诊时平均视力为0.16，与初诊视力相比，68.6 2%无变化，25.53%增加，7.84%降低。FFA联合ICGA检查显示：治疗后3个月时，隐匿型CNV闭 合率为42.86%, 经典型CNV闭合率为22.22%；6个月时，隐匿型CNV闭合率为73.81%，经典型 CNV闭合率为66.67%。检眼镜检查显示：治疗后3个月，隐匿型CNV42只眼中，出血和（或）渗出部分或全部吸收，并有厚薄不等的机化瘢痕形成；经典型CNV9只眼中7只眼出血和渗出 减轻；1只眼有新出血。治疗后6个月，27只隐匿型CNV眼中，3只眼又见新出血，其中2只眼较快吸收，保持至12个月时无变化；5只经典型CNV眼中，2只眼有新出血，再次治疗后吸收 ，随访16个月病情稳定。19只隐匿型CNV眼随访至6个月以上，5只眼出血消失，5只眼有新出血 。6个月以上的随访中，共有8只眼可见新出血，其CNV复发率占15.6％。 结论 TTT治疗AMD 合并经典型或隐匿型CNV均有一定效果。在较长期随访中,约15.6%的CNV复发，复发患眼经再次治疗仍有好转。 （中华眼底病杂志，2004，20：280-284）     

Transpupillary thermotherapy of occult choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in management of occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods. Retrospective chart review of eyes that were treated with TTT and had at least 12 weeks of follow-up. Base-line and final ETDRS visual acuity and fluorescein angiography (FA) were compared. Results. For the 48 eyes which met inclusion criteria, mean pre-operative visual acuity was 20/128 (range: 20/50–20/500). Average follow-up was 27 weeks (range: 12 weeks–55 weeks). At 3 months after treatment, 12 eyes (25%) improved 2 lines or more, 18 eyes (37.5%) had no change or 1 line of visual improvement, and 18 eyes (37.5%) worsened 1 or more lines. No significant adverse event was noted during treatment. Three eyes developed large submacular hemorrhage within 2 months of treatment. Based on clinical examination and FA, 61% of the eyes appeared to have reduction of subretinal fluid compared to pre-operative evaluations. Conclusion. Visual acuity was stable or improved in 62.5% of eyes in our series and the treatment was well tolerated. Longer follow up and larger number of patients would be required to evaluate the ultimate benefit of TTT in management of occult CNV due to AMD.     

Transpupillary thermotherapy of occult choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in management of occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Retrospective chart review of eyes that were treated with TTT and had at least 12 weeks of follow-up. Base-line and final ETDRS visual acuity and fluorescein angiography (FA) were compared. RESULTS: For the 48 eyes which met inclusion criteria, mean pre-operative visual acuity was 20/128 (range: 20/50-20/500). Average follow-up was 27 weeks (range: 12 weeks-55 weeks). At 3 months after treatment, 12 eyes (25%) improved 2 lines or more, 18 eyes (37.5%) had no change or 1 line of visual improvement, and 18 eyes (37.5%) worsened 1 or more lines. No significant adverse event was noted during treatment. Three eyes developed large submacular hemorrhage within 2 months of treatment. Based on clinical examination and FA, 61% of the eyes appeared to have reduction of subretinal fluid compared to pre-operative evaluations. CONCLUSION: Visual acuity was stable or improved in 62.5% of eyes in our series and the treatment was well tolerated. Longer follow up and larger number of patients would be required to evaluate the ultimate benefit of TTT in management of occult CNV due to AMD.     

黄斑脉络膜新生血管的PDT与TTT疗效对比观察

目的 比较经瞳孔温热疗法(TTT)与光动力疗法(PDT)治疗黄斑脉络膜新生血管的疗效.方法 对比分析渗出性老年黄斑变性(AMD),特发性脉络膜新生血管,病理性近视.眼底血管样条纹继发黄斑CNV97例101只眼治疗后1个月,3个月的矫正视力(BCVA),眼底荧光血管造影(FFA).治疗前均检杏BCVA、FFA、光学相干断层扫描(OCT),部分病例行吲哚青绿脉络膜血管造影(ICGA).其中PDT治疗52例54只眼,,TTT治疗45例47只眼.结果 PDT与TTT治疗后1月、3月矫正视力比较,PDT治疗组提高2行及2行以上与TTT治疗组比较差异无统计学意义(x2=0.27,P＞0.05,x2=0.034,P＞0.05).PDT治疗后1、3月视力提高或不变(稳定)分别有25只眼(46.2%),20只眼(37%),TTT几治疗后1、3月视力提高或不变分别有14只眼(29.8%),16只眼(34%),治疗后1月两组比较差异有统计学意义(x2=3.96,P＜0.05),治疗后3月两组比较差异无统计学意义(x2=1.78,P＞0.05).典型性或典型性为主性CNV PDT与TTT治疗后矫正视力比较,治疗后1、3月PD个组分别有40%,54%,54%,TTT治疗组分别有12.5%,12.5%PD个组视力提高2行或2行以上.两组比较差异有统计学意义(x2=7.57,P＜0.01,x2=4.14,P＜0.05).隐匿性CNVPDT与TTT治疗后矫正视力比较,治疗后1、3个月,PDT与TTT组视力无提高.治疗后1月PDT治疗组视力不变2只眼,TTT组5只眼,两组比较差异无统计学意义(x2=1.67,P＞0.05).治疗后3月两组视力均下降.PDT与TTT治疗后1、3月CNV渗漏比较,治疗后1月PDT治疗组控制或减轻CNV的荧光渗漏要好于TTT治疗组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(x2=6.64,P＜0.05.治疗后3月比较差异无统计学意义(x2=1.2,P＞0.05).结论 PDT对典型性或典型性为主CNV的治疗,随访短期内(1～3个月)在视力、及CNV渗漏方面明显优于TTT治疗.无论PDT或TTT的单一治疗对隐匿性CNV的视力提高作用不大,对于典犁性CNV或隐匿性CNV可以进行PDT与TTT的交叉治疗,但其疗效仍有待长期随访,并进行多样本及设立对照组观察比较.     

Transpupillary thermotherapy for idiopathic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for the management of idiopathic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: This was a prospective, non-controlled, clinical case trial involving 21 eyes of 21 patients with a mean age of 36 years. All 21 eyes had idiopathic subfoveal CNV and were subjected to diode laser TTT. Laser beam size ranged from 1.2 mm to 3.0 mm and power settings ranged between 300 mW and 600 mW. The end-point was an area of no visible colour change. Pre- and post-laser evaluations of ETDRS visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography were carried out. RESULTS: The nine predominantly occult and 12 predominantly classic subfoveal membranes were followed-up for a mean of 5.1 months after TTT. Overall, 17 eyes (81%) showed improvement or stabilization in ETDRS visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity improved in 17 eyes (81%). Reading speed improved in 15 eyes (71%). Retreatment was needed in three eyes (14%). CONCLUSION: Transpupillary thermotherapy treatment is a potential strategy for treating idiopathic subfoveal CNV in both its classic and occult forms.