title: Photodynamic therapy in the management of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH).
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective case series analysis through chart review of patients with CCH treated by means of PDT.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen patients with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Through retrospective charts review, the patients' demographics, clinical features, management, and follow-up data were obtained and analyzed. Outcome measures were change in visual acuity, required sessions, and adjunctive treatments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median follow-up was 26 months. Seven patients (54%) underwent only 1 session, 5 patients (38%) 2 sessions, and 1 received 5 sessions and was finally treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Visual acuity improved by at least 1 line (1-5) in 11 patients and remained stable in 2. Exudative subretinal fluid was completely resolved in 92% of the cases at the last visit. No major local side effects were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PDT of CCH can effectively induce tumor regression and resolution of exudative subretinal fluid, improving, or stabilizing vision.
authors.affiliation: Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. javierelizalde@barraquer.com
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Elizalde
authors.forename: LuzMaría
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vasquez
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Iyo
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abengoechea
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077362:Verteporfin; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin