[Clinical features of vitreous hemorrhage after photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration].
OBJECTIVE
To study the clinical features of vitreous hemorrhage (VH) after photodynamic therapy (PDT) for age-related macular degeneration(AMD).


METHODS
Twelve patients (12 eyes: 1.7% of the 718 eyes on which PDT was performed) who had vitrectomy due to massive VH after PDT for AMD were studied. Their medical records were reviewed and courses and characteristics were studied.


RESULTS
Eight eyes (67%) were diagnosed as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and 7 eyes showed multiple clusters of grape-like lesions. Average greatest linear dimension (GLD) was 4533 microm, larger than common AMD. After vitrectomy, some cases retained choroidal neovascularization. Five eyes had another PDT and 3 eyes had a second vitrectomy due to recurrent vitreous hemorrhage.


CONCLUSIONS
Both PCV and a large GLD are risk factors for a massive vitreous hemorrhage after PDT therapy for AMD. As many cases retain choroidal neovascularization many patients require additional treatment. Continued observation after vitrectomy is essential.
Ogino
Tetsuo
T
Department of Ophthalmology, Sapporo City General Hospital, West 13, North 11, Chuo-ku Sapporo-shi 060-8604, Japan
Takeda
Muneyasu
M
Imaizumi
Hiroko
H
Okushiba
Utako
U
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D015862:Choroid Diseases; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery