Successful combined photodynamic and intravitreal avastin therapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in a child

Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2009 Winter;3(1):89-92. doi: 10.1097/ICB.0b013e31815f3ce7.

Abstract

Purpose: To report the results of combined photodynamic therapy with verteporfin and intravitreal Avastin delivered on the same day in the treatment of juvenile subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.

Methods: Photodynamic therapy with Visudyne at standard fluence rates and intravitreal Avastin were successfully completed under topical anesthesia in a single day treatment session in an 11-year-old girl with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.

Patient: A cooperative 11-year-old girl noted sudden vision loss in her right eye with a previous history of a small nonspecific extrafoveal inferior scar, and was noted to have developed an acute subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane.

Results: The subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane regressed without any additional therapy or recurrence over an 18-month period and with recovery of 20/20 vision. There were diffuse mild pigmentary changes in the region of the previous choroidal neovascularization.

Conclusion: Choroidal neovascularization in juvenile patients may respond well to a combined photodynamic and intravitreal Avastin therapy delivered in a single day session with excellent recovery of vision and without the need for frequent multiple treatments, which would be difficult in this age group.