Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of CNV Associated With Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in young adults and children with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with toxoplasma retinochoroiditis. Methods: Patients with subfoveal CNV associated with toxoplasma retinochoroiditis were treated with verteporfin PDT and prospectively followed–up. Before PDT and during follow–up patients underwent visual acuity testing, complete ophthalmic examination including colour photography, angiography with fluorescein and/or indocyanine green, and optical coherence tomography. The decision to re–treat the CNV was based on the criteria used in the TAP (Treatment of Age–related macular degeneration with Photodynamic therapy) investigation. Results: Eight patients (5 males, 3 females) were treated with a mean age of 15.3 years (range 5–31 years). The CNV was 100% classic or predominantly classic in all the study patients. The mean visual acuity increased from 20/225 (range 20/400–20/50) to 20/123 (range 20/200–20/25) during a mean follow–up period of 24 months (range 5–49 months). Persistent closure of the CNV was achieved in 7 of the 8 patients with a mean number of 1.8 treatments. A vascular anastamosis developed in the treated area in 2 patients but there was no additional visual loss. No significant adverse effects of verteporfin treatment were observed. Conclusions: Verteporfin PDT of subfoveal CNV associated with toxoplasma retinochoroiditis appears to be effective and safe even in young adults and children. However, a longer follow–up is recommended to confirm our observations.

Keywords: chorioretinitis • toxoplasmosis • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled