Retinal capillary hemangioma treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide

PURPOSE: To report a case of retinal capillary hemangioma treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. METHODS: A 15-year-old female presented with metamorphopsia in the left eye for 7 days. Examination showed peripheral endophytic retinal capillary hemangioma, macular edema, and a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50. The hemangioma and macular edema were treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. RESULTS: After 5 months of follow-up, involution of the hemangioma, reduction of macular edema, decrease of the feeder and draining vessel diameter, and improvement of best-corrected visual acuity to 20/25 was seen. CONCLUSIONS: This verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide appeared to cause involution of the hemangioma with reduction in macular edema and improvement in visual acuity.     

Exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and photodynamic therapy with verteporfin

PURPOSE: To report two cases of exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treated by photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. DESIGN: Interventional case reports. METHODS: Two patients, a man aged 58 years and a woman aged 57 years, with recent visual impairment in the right eye (OD) (both eyes best-corrected visual acuity: 10/50 and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity 1.35 and 1.20) and angiographically proved subfoveal idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy were treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis SA, Rueil Malmaison, France). Functional and angiographic outcomes were assessed 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: In Patient 1, 3 months after treatment, best-corrected visual acuity and contrast sensitivity improved (10/16 and 1.50) and then remained stable throughout the 12 months after treatment. In Patient 2, 6 weeks after treatment, vision and contrast sensitivity were 10/20 and 1.35; and at 3 months, were improved and stabilized at 10/12.5 and 1.50. Angiographically, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin was associated with nonperfusion and occlusion of the exudative polypoidal dilations. No acute recurrence was noted during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: In subfoveal exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin may be associated with beneficial functional results.     

A case of von Hippel-Lindau disease with papillary capillary hemangioma treated by photodynamic therapy

BACKGROUND: Laser photocoagulation of papillary hemangioma in von Hippel-Lindau disease often causes visual loss. Therefore, we applied photodynamic therapy for one patient. CASE: A 36-year-old male had 3.2 x 2.6 mm capillary hemangioma of the optic disc associated with a fibrovascular membrane and exudative retinal detachment involving the whole macular area in his left eye. His visual acuity was 0.08. TREATMENT: Two days after the intravenous injection of 2 mg/kg of hematoporphyrin derivatives, the eye was irradiated with a dye laser of 630 nm wavelength, with irradiance of 637 mW/cm2 and a radiant exposure of 150-250 J/cm2. The exudative retinal detachment and hemorrhage in the tumor increased from day 1, but the tumor and exudative changes began to resolve after 3 weeks. The fibrovascular membrane was removed by vitrectomy. Three years after the treatment, the tumor was completely resolved, but the patient's visual acuity was 0.1 due to atrophy of the optic nerve and pigment epithelium of the macula. CONCLUSION: Although further investigation on optimal radiance avoiding damage to the optic nerve is still needed, photodynamic therapy is a promising therapeutic option for papillary hemangioma.     

Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to rubella retinopathy

PURPOSE: To describe a patient for whom photodynamic therapy was used to treat subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to rubella retinopathy. DESIGN: Interventional case report.METHODS: A 36-year-old man with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to rubella retinopathy was treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin. Outcome was followed up with subsequent fundus examinations, fluorescein angiography, and evaluations of best-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Two treatments of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin resulted in involution of the neovascular membrane, resolution of subretinal hemorrhage, and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity from 20/200 to 20/60 2 months after the second treatment. Owing to recurrence of active choroidal neovascularization, the patient required two more treatments of photodynamic therapy in the next 6 months, after which his best-corrected visual acuity was restored to 20/60. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy may be an effective treatment for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to rubella retinopathy.     

Therapeutic options for capillary papillary hemangiomas

PURPOSE: To describe the results and therapeutic complications of treatment of papillary capillary hemangiomas over the last 13 years. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Five cases of unilateral capillary papillary hemangiomas were reviewed. Three patients had von Hippel-Lindau disease, and two had no associated familial or systemic disease. METHODS: Two patients were treated with argon green laser, one patient received argon green and diode photocoagulation, and two patients underwent argon green photocoagulation and diode transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT); two eyes also underwent vitreoretinal surgery. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 13 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence of exudative retinal detachment associated with the activity of the hemangioma and the visual acuity were the two main parameters. RESULTS: Prompt argon green laser treatment was the most effective therapy; -II was ineffective. Vitreoretinal surgery, transscleral drainage, and argon endolaser photocoagulation in one case resolved bullous retinal detachment secondary to tumor exudation. Pretreatment visual acuity (VA) levels ranged from 20/25 to counting fingers; posttreatment VA levels ranged from 20/25 to light perception. CONCLUSIONS: If left untreated, papillary hemangiomas may evolve to exudative retinal detachment and marked VA decreases. Although we have not established an ideal therapy, we recommend appropriate treatment on diagnosis. Close follow-up and multiple treatments with argon laser are likely the best therapeutic course.     

Benefits and complications of photodynamic therapy of papillary capillary hemangiomas

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential benefit and risks of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of papillary capillary hemangioma. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Five patients with solitary capillary hemangioma on the temporal portion of the optic nerve presenting with exudative decompensation and decrease in visual acuity (VA). METHODS: All eyes received a standardized PDT treatment with 6 mg/kg body surface area verteporfin and application of 100 J/cm(2) light at 692 nm. One to three PDT courses were performed until resolution of exudation was achieved. A continuous follow-up was provided with documentation 1 week before and at 4 to 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after the last treatment application. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional parameters included best-refracted VA (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study), and central scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) scotometry and peripheral (automated perimetry) visual fields; anatomic parameters were presence of retinal edema or serous detachment (ophthalmoscopy) and tumor size (ultrasonography). RESULTS: Pretreatment VA levels ranged from 20/40 to 20/800; posttreatment levels ranged from 20/64 to 20/2000. Tumor regression with resolution of macular exudate and serous retinal detachment was obtained in all eyes. A decline in VA of 1, 3, and 10 lines, respectively, was documented in three patients. Complications included transient decompensation of vascular permeability, occlusion of retinal vessels, and ischemia of the optic nerve. CONCLUSIONS: PDT is successful in reducing tumor size and exudative activity. Vaso-occlusive effects at the level of the retina and optic nerve compromise the functional benefit. Parameters proven safe in choroidal neovascularization may be inappropriate in retinal capillary lesions of the optic nerve.     

Treatment of vasoproliferative tumors with photodynamic therapy.

A 46-year-old woman presented with a peripheral vasoproliferative tumor. The tumor was treated with one session of photodynamic therapy with 6 mg/m2 body surface area of verteporfin and a dose of 100 J/cm2 delivered in 83 seconds. At the 10-month follow-up examination, involution of the vasoproliferative tumor was seen with improvement of best-corrected visual acuity to 20/80. Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment option in cases of exudative vasoproliferative tumors. Great variability exists in the parameters used to treat vasoproliferative tumors.     

Retinal capillary angioma in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy treated with photodynamic therapy

PURPOSE: To report a case of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy with a retinal capillary angioma and persistent macular exudation treated with photodynamic therapy. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 39-year-old woman with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy presented with an intraretinal capillary angioma temporally with persistent macular exudation despite previous vitrectomy and thermal laser. Photodynamic therapy to the retinal angioma was performed. RESULTS: Three months after photodynamic therapy, vision was stable at 20/200 with a reduction in lesion size on B-scan ultrasonography and no leakage on fluorescein angiography. With 10 months of follow-up there was no recurrence of leakage. CONCLUSION: Retinal capillary angioma may be present in association with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, and photodynamic therapy may provide a good alternative treatment to decrease exudation.     

Sturge-Weber syndrome: medical management of choroidal hemangiomas

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcome of irradiation of complicated choroidal hemangiomas in Sturge-Weber syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of 6 patients (7 eyes) with Sturge-Weber syndrome and choroidal hemangiomas were reviewed. An exudative retinal detachment was the indication for treatment in all cases. The mean age of the 6 patients was 13 years (range, 4 to 20 years). The minimum follow-up time was 1 year. Patients were checked for initial and final best-corrected visual acuity, fundus examination, fluorescein angiography, and tumor thickness on B-scan ultrasonography. The patients were treated with radiotherapy. A total dose of 20 Grays was applied to 7 eyes: 2 with a circumscribed choroidal hemangioma underwent proton therapy and 5 with diffuse hemangioma were treated by external beam irradiation. RESULTS: Complete resolution of the subretinal fluid was achieved in all cases with the tumor height decreased. Visual acuity improved to 1 line or more in 5 eyes and remained stable in 2 eyes. Two cases that underwent proton therapy developed radiation retinopathy. CONCLUSION: External beam radiation is an effective and safe option in the management of choroidal hemangiomas complicated by retinal detachment. Based on our experience, proton therapy should be reserved for sporadic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.     

Photodynamic therapy for juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization in myopic eyes

PURPOSE: To report the results of photodynamic therapy in myopic patients with juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV). DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Three consecutive myopic patients with juxtafoveal CNV were treated by photodynamic therapy with the same protocol as the one used to treat subfoveal CNV. Visual acuity was measured on Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts by an independent observer. Fluorescein angiography was performed 6 and 12 weeks after photodynamic therapy and then every 12 weeks. RESULTS: In all three patients, one treatment of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin resulted in the involution of the CNV and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity from 20/50 or 20/40 to 20/25 or more. No retreatment was required during follow-up, which lasted for 12 to 24 months (mean = 17 months). CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy may be an effective treatment for juxtafoveal CNV in myopic eyes.     

Photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevus

PURPOSE: To describe a patient treated with photodynamic therapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevus. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 61-year-old woman presented with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevus and best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50. The choroidal neovascularization was treated with two verteporfin photodynamic therapy sessions, separated by 3 months. RESULTS: The choroidal neovascularization was occluded after two sessions. Best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/25 and remained stable throughout an 18-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy seems to be an effective treatment for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevus.     

Recurrent bullous retinal detachments from photodynamic therapy for idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To report the recurrent bullous retinal detachments as complications of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV). DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A pseudophakic 84-year-old-woman had IPCV and decreased vision. Angiography demonstrated macular leakage. PDT with verteporfin was applied. Two days later, visual acuity decreased from 20/50 to 20/400. Examination revealed extensive inferior subretinal fluid, which mimicked a pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. A scleral buckle was placed; no retinal breaks were identified. RESULTS: Vision and fluid resolved over three weeks. Four months later, examination revealed decreased vision and persistent leakage. Two days after repeat PDT, bullous exudative macular detachment recurred. Detachment resolved over two weeks; visual acuity returned to 20/50. CONCLUSION: IPCV that is treated with PDT may be complicated by iatrogenic bullous exudative retinal detachments that resemble rhegmatogenous detachments. Modified treatment parameters may reduce the risk of recurrence. The natural history likely includes spontaneous resolution and visual recovery.     

Stereotactic radiotherapy of symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas

PURPOSE: To determine feasibility of low-dose stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Five consecutive patients with perifoveolar and peripapillary circumscribed choroidal hemangioma and visual symptoms from exudative retinal detachment. METHODS: A dose of 20 Gy was delivered stereotactically with linear accelerator. Tumor dimensions were determined by B-scan ultrasonography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of subretinal fluid, best-corrected visual acuity, and reduction in tumor height. RESULTS: Median tumor height at baseline was 2.8 mm (range, 2.0-4.2 mm). Two tumors were subfoveolar, two were juxtafoveolar, and one was extrafoveolar. Cystic macular edema and subretinal fibrosis were present in both eyes with subfoveolar tumor. Exudative retinal detachment resolved within a median of 5 months (response rate, 100%; 95% CI, 48%-100%). Median best-corrected visual acuity was 20/50 (range, 20/22-20/100) at diagnosis and 20/25 (range, 20/20-20/60) 20 months after treatment. Tumor height had decreased a median of 24% (range, 0%-31%) by 6 months and 29% (range, 9%-59%) by 20 months. Secondary retinal pigment epithelial mottling associated with tumor regression occurred in two patients. One eye developed a paracentral scotoma. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic radiotherapy can be targeted precisely enough to induce regression of subretinal fluid from circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas.     

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

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

Occult with no classic choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration treated by intravitreal triamcinolone and photodynamic therapy with verteporfin

PURPOSE: To examine combined treatment with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for occult with no classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: In this prospective, interventional case series, 11 eyes of 10 consecutive patients with occult with no classic CNV underwent a single injection (25 mg) of IVT followed 1 month later by PDT. Best-corrected visual acuity was measured by Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) protocol refraction. RESULTS: Median best-corrected visual acuity was 20/160, 20/80, 20/80, 20/50, and 20/80 at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Best-corrected visual acuity at baseline was statistically different (P < 0.05) than best-corrected visual acuity at 1, 3, and 6 months. Of 11 eyes, 5 (45.5%), 7 (63.6%), 7 (63.6%), and 4 (36.3%) had improved best-corrected visual acuity of at least 3 ETDRS lines at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, while 6 (54.5%), 9 (81.8%), 10 (91%), and 8 (73%) had improved best-corrected visual acuity of at least 2 ETDRS lines at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Two eyes (18%) lost >3 lines at 12 months. One eye had intraocular hypertension at 3 months and was treated with a combination of topical antiglaucomatous drugs. One eye developed a dense cataract at the last follow-up visit. No endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, or vitreous hemorrhage developed. Fluorescein leakage and retinal thickness reduced significantly after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of best-corrected visual acuity and lack of fluorescein leakage suggest combination treatment with IVT and PDT for occult with no classic CNV merits further investigation.     

25-Gauge Vitrectomy Combined with Half-Fluence Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Juxtapapillary Retinal Capillary Hemangioma: A Case Report

A rare case of juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma (JRCH) with tractional macular detachment that was managed successfully with minimally invasive 25-gauge vitreoretinal surgery, followed by two sessions of half-fluence photodynamic treatment (PDT) with good visual outcome, is presented. A 13-year-old female patient had progressive deterioration of the vision of her right eye due to the presence of tractional macular detachment associated with JRCH in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. A 25-gauge sutureless vitreoretinal surgery was successfully performed. Two months following surgery, the JRCH was treated with two sessions of half-fluence PDT at an interval of 4 months. Visual acuity improved from a preoperative level of 20/50 to 20/25 24 months postoperatively. Resolution of the tractional macular detachment, reduction of papillomacular area fluid, and reduction in size of the JRCH were observed during the follow-up period. No serious adverse events were observed. Small-gauge vitreoretinal surgery followed by PDT can be effective and safe in relieving tractional macular detachment and recovering useful visual acuity in JRCH in VHL disease.Key words: 25-Gauge vitrectomy, Juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma, Photodynamic treatment, von Hippel-Lindau disease     

光动力疗法治疗孤立性脉络膜血管瘤

目的探讨光动力疗法（PDT）治疗孤立性脉络膜血管瘤的临床效果及安全性。方法孤立性脉络膜血管瘤患者5例,均经眼底检查、荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）及彩色超声多普勒（CDI）检查确诊。其中4例伴有渗出性视网膜脱离和黄斑水肿。患者最佳矫正视力为0．02-0．8,CDI检查瘤体最大厚度为2．8-5．4mm,最大直径6．5-12．5mm。经PDT治疗后,患者随访时间为13-56周。结果所有患者均经1次PDT治疗后,渗出性视网膜脱离完全吸收,视力均稳定和提高。最终随访,患者最佳矫正视力为0．2-0．9。结论PDT治疗孤立性脉络膜血管瘤特别是位于黄斑部的脉络膜血管瘤的效果好且安全,可使瘤体萎缩并保存或提高患者视力。     

Limited macular translocation for the management of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization after photodynamic therapy

PURPOSE: To report our initial experience of limited macular translocation in patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration following photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Retrospective review of four eyes of four consecutive patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration who underwent effective limited macular translocation following photodynamic therapy. The mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/190 (range, 20/150 to 20/200), and in all eyes the visual acuity was 20/150 or worse. The major outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity and complications related to the surgery. RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up was 6.75 months (range, 6-8 months). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved by 2 or more Snellen lines of visual acuity in three of four eyes (75%) and remained within 1 line in one of four eyes (25%). The mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100 (range, 20/40 to 20/150), and in two of the four eyes (50%) the visual acuity achieved was 20/100 or better. No complication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Limited macular translocation may be a viable option in patients who have previously undergone photodynamic therapy.     

Intravitreal bevacizumab for retinal capillary hemangioblastoma: A case series and literature review

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab for peripheral and juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioblastoma (RCH).DesignWe conducted a retrospective noncomparative interventional case series.ParticipantsThere were 4 patients (5 eyes) presenting with RCH.MethodsFive eyes with RCH presented with exudative changes and visual loss. Three eyes of 2 patients with peripheral RCH were treated with cryotherapy and 2 intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (0.5 mg). Two eyes with juxtapapillary RCH were treated with 3 intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. The main outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), lesion size, exudation, and retinal thickness.ResultsIn peripheral RCH, improvement of BCVA from counting fingers to 20/400 was obtained in 1 eye. One patient with bilateral RCH maintained a vision of 20/20 in 1 eye with complete anatomic regression of the 3 small peripheral RCH lesions. The fellow eye with fibrotic bands from the RCH to the optic nerve head developed a tractional retinal detachment after the first injection and was treated with pars plana vitrectomy. In patients with juxtapapillary RCH, bevacizumab injections resulted in an improvement of BCVA from 20/80 to 20/20 in 1 eye, whereas the second eye did not show an improvement of BCVA despite a regression of the tumour.ConclusionsIntravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor agents, alone or in combination with other treatment modalities, may improve visual acuity. Further trials evaluating the dose, the number of injections, and the route of administration will be important in advancing antiangiogenic therapies for RCH.     

Diffuse choroidal haemangioma in Sturge–Weber syndrome treated with photodynamic therapy under general anaesthesia

Purpose To report the treatment outcome of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT) for exudative retinal detachment associated with diffuse choroidal haemangioma in Sturge–Weber syndrome.Methods An interventional case report of a 12-year-old girl with Sturge–Weber syndrome who developed an exudative retinal detachment (visual acuity 20/400) that was treated with PDT under general anaesthesia. PDT was performed according to the standard (macular degeneration) protocol, using three nonoverlapping spots of 4,000 m.Results Subretinal fluid resolved completely over a period of 5 months and visual acuity increased to 20/50. No side effects of the PDT treatment were encountered during 9 months follow-up.Conclusion In our patient PDT with verteporfin effectively resolved the exudative retinal detachment associated with a diffuse choroidal haemangioma. Resolution of subretinal fluid occurred over several months without retreatment. We noted no side effects of the combination PDT and general anaesthesia, nor did we encounter ocular side effects of the treatment.