Combined Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) With Deep Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide for CNV in Non–AMD Patients – 2 Years of Control

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: We report the long term (2–year) follow–up of visual acuity and fluorescein angiographic effects of photodynamic therapy treatment combined with 40–mg deep posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection in non–AMD patients with choroidal neovascular membranes. Methods: This non–randomized prospective clinical interventional study included 7 eyes of 7 patients having non–AMD (myopic, inflammatory – choroiditis, idiopathic) subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes. Standardized visual acuity, anterior segment biomicroscopy, IOP measure, fundus examination and fluorescein angiography were recorded at baseline and during follow up (24 months). Five days after treatment with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin (6 mg/m2) in a standard fashion, all patients received a 40 mg deep posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide with 24G Jelco. Results:The mean visual acuity improved 01 Snellen equivalent lines (range 2 to 0 lines) from baseline to the follow up at the 24^th month. No leakage or recurrence of the primary lesion was noticed at the 24^th month visit. Secondary elevation of the IOP was observed in 6 patients but were controlled with anti–glaucoma medications. No major complications were observed. Conclusions: These data of 2–year follow–up of combined photodynamic therapy treatment with deep posterior subtenon triamcinolone suggest this approach for treatment of choroidal neovascular membranes in may have a remarkable benefit in the Non AMD group of patients providing a long term improvement and stabilization of visual acuity. These data must be considered preliminary and further studies are necessary to corroborate these conclusions.

Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • photodynamic therapy • age-related macular degeneration