Photodynamic therapy for circumscribed choroidal haemangioma.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a new treatment for circumscribed choroidal haemangioma (CCH).


METHODS
Eight patients with CCH were treated with PDT using a protocol similar to that used in the standard treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.


RESULTS
Visual acuity improved in six of eight eyes, remained unchanged in one eye and deteriorated in one eye after 3-15 months (median 7 months) follow-up. Pre-treatment metamorphopsia disappeared in all but two cases. The thickness of the CCH measured with standardized echography showed marked regression within 1 month after PDT. In six eyes there was no remaining protrusion after PDT and one lesion was barely detectable. One patient experienced a transient choroidal effusion and perifoveal haemorrhage.


CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy is a promising new treatment for CCH as it restores visual function in most cases without causing apparent ocular or systemic side-effects.
Landau
Irène M E
IM
St. Eriks Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. irene.landau@sankterik.se
Steen
Björn
B
Seregard
Stefan
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D000077362:Verteporfin; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin