title: Early vascular changes induced by transpupillary thermotherapy of choroidal neovascularization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study early direct effects of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) on choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and choroid.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-four eyes with subfoveal CNV.
  
  
  METHODS
  TTT was delivered using a diode laser at 810 nm through a contact lens. Exposure time was 60 seconds with a power/diameter ratio of 247 mW/mm. The end point was an invisible treatment with no color change at the retina level.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographic findings within 1 hour, and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after TTT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) performed within 1 hour after TTT showed increased leakage of CNV and choroidal vessels. Follow-up at 1 and 2 weeks demonstrated a hypofluorescent area corresponding to the laser spot and absence of angiographic leakage seen on FA and ICGA. At 4 weeks after TTT, FA showed mottled hypofluorescence-hyperfluorescence of the TTT-treated area and absence of angiographic leakage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TTT induces a characteristic dynamic sequence of vascular changes. Treatment with TTT can lead to absence of angiographic (FA and ICGA) leakage for 4 weeks. Determination of the long-term efficacy and visual implications awaits the results of clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lanzetta
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Michieletto
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pirracchio
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bandello
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002199:Capillary Permeability; D002829:Choroid / Q000098:blood supply*; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011680:Pupil; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D007208:Indocyanine Green