Photodynamic therapy of subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization in ocular histoplasmosis syndrome: a retrospective case series

Retina. 2004 Dec;24(6):863-70. doi: 10.1097/00006982-200412000-00004.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effect on visual acuity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in patients with subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascular membranes from ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS).

Methods: Retrospective case series. The visual outcome of 11 patients with subfoveal (n = 6) and juxtafoveal (n = 5) choroidal neovascularization treated with PDT was reviewed. At 1 to 3 months of follow-up, retreatment with PDT was performed if angiography showed leakage.

Results: Within the subfoveal group, 3 patients (50%) had improved vision (two or more lines better than initial vision), 2 patients (33.3%) had no change in vision (within 1 line), and 1 (16.7%) lost four lines of vision. At last follow-up, 3 patients (50%) had vision between 20/20 and 20/40 compared with only 1 patient (16.6%) at the initial visit. Mean follow-up was 13.7 months. Within the juxtafoveal group, 3 patients (60%) had improved vision, 1 patient (20%) had no change in vision, and 1 patient (20%) lost nine lines of vision. At last follow-up, 3 of 5 patients (60%) had vision between 20/20 and 20/40 compared with 2 patients (40%) at the initial visit. Mean follow-up was 10.2 months. No significant adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion: PDT is a safe and promising option for patients with OHS with choroidal neovascularization that is subfoveal or juxtafoveal.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / drug therapy*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / complications
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fovea Centralis
  • Histoplasmosis / complications
  • Histoplasmosis / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / adverse effects
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Porphyrins / adverse effects
  • Porphyrins / therapeutic use*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Safety
  • Syndrome
  • Verteporfin
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Porphyrins
  • Verteporfin