Choroidal hemangioma treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a new treatment for vision loss caused by subretinal fluid associated with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.


METHODS
Three patients were treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin for injection (Visudyne; QLT Phototherapeutics Inc, Vancouver, British Columbia). All patients had pretreatment and posttreatment fluorescein angiography and ultrasonography. Treatment parameters used were verteporfin, 6 mg/m(2), and laser light at 689 nm delivered at 50 J/cm(2) with an intensity of 600 mW/cm(2) for 83 seconds.


RESULTS
All patients had complete resolution of subretinal fluid within 2 weeks of treatment. Fluorescein angiography performed 2 to 4 weeks after treatment showed absence of tumor leakage. All eyes had reduced tumor thickness or complete flattening. Visual acuity was improved in each eye. Average follow-up was 5.3 months. No complications were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin is effective in eliminating subretinal fluid and improving vision in patients with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.
Madreperla
S A
SA
Retina Associates of New Jersey, 628 Cedar Ln, Teaneck, NJ 07666, USA. smadreperla@hotmail.com
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D018324:Hemangioma, Capillary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D000077362:Verteporfin; D014792:Visual Acuity
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin