Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in mallatia leventinese

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of a patient with documented genetic mallatia leventinese who developed a classic choroidal neovascular membrane and underwent photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne; CIBA Vision Corp., Duluth, GA). DESIGN: Interventional case report. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation and fluorescein angiography. Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and angiographic records were analyzed for evidence of changes in visual acuity, clinically evident subretinal fluid and the extent of fluorescein leakage from choroidal neovascularization (CNV). RESULTS: Three weeks after treatment, a fluorescein angiogram showed closure of the neovascular membrane, no evident subretinal fluid was seen, and visual acuity had improved from 20/60- to 20/40. Nine weeks after the application, fluorescein angiography demonstrated a microscopic hyperfluorescent spot at the site of the previously active CNV at which a small area of shallow subretinal fluid was observed, and visual acuity was 20/50. Thirty-four weeks after PDT, visual acuity was 20/60, subretinal fluid resolved, and fluorescein angiography did not show any further changes. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin may be considered as a possible treatment in patients with mallatia leventinese who develop classic CNV.