[Photodynamic treatment with verteporfin for patients with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization. Two-year results].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was the evaluation of safety and effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a treatment option for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).


METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis of 11 eyes of 9 patients who were treated with standard PDT. The follow-up period was at least 1 year and included regular standardized ETDRS visual acuity measurement and fluorescein angiography.


RESULTS
Eight sub- and three juxtafoveal CNV were treated. The mean follow-up was 23.2 months (12-41 months), the mean change in visual acuity was +2.1 lines (+3 for juxtafoveal and +1.9 for subfoveal localization), and a mean of 1.9 (1-3) treatments were performed. Visual acuity improved > or =2 lines in 6 of 11 eyes (54.5%) and 5 eyes (45.5%) remained stable (+/-1 lines). Alterations of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) with window defects in fluorescein angiography occurred in 7 of 11 eyes (63.6%) but did not alter visual acuity. In 4 of 11 cases (36.4%), we saw recurrences after initially successful therapy, which were retreated successfully with PDT.


CONCLUSIONS
Stabilization or even an improvement of visual acuity in idiopathic CNV is possible with PDT treatment. Side effects such as RPE changes and recurrences are possible, but do not seem to influence visual acuity.
Wachtlin
J
J
Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin der Freien Universität Berlin. wachtlin.@ukbf.fu-berlin.de
Wehner
A
A
Heimann
H
H
Foerster
M H
MH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000187:drug effects; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077362:Verteporfin; D014792:Visual Acuity
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin