Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: A combination of PDT and intravitreal Triamcinolone is frequently used to treat CNV following different underlying diseases. This study compares a triamcinolone injection before and after PDT in patients with AMD. 26 consecutive patients were treated and examined with BCVA (best corrected visual acuity), OCT (optical coherence tomography) and FA (Fluoresceine angiography) before and after treatment. Methods: PDT was performed with standard parameters. 4 mg of pure Triamcinolone were injected via pars plana under sterile conditions 4–7 days before PDT (group A) or immediately after PDT (group B). Group A included 11 patients, aver. age 69 Y., 3 male, 8 female, mean follow–up of 5.7 months (2–9). Group B included 15 patients, aver. age 73 Y., 5 male, 10 female, mean follow–up of 7.2 months (2–14). Retinal thickness was measured with a OCT III (Zeiss–Humphrey) and FA was performed with a HRA II (Heidelberg Engineering) and evaluated by two independent retina specialists. Results:In group A BCVA improved (>1 line) or stabelized (+/– 1 line) in 82% and 66.6% in group B. Retinal thickness improved (>10%) or stabelized (+/– 10%) in 100% of cases in group A and 77% in group B. FA–leakage decreased or stabelized in 82% in group A and 93% in Group B. One sterile hypopyon after Triamcinolone was observed, but no surgical intervention was necessary.Conclusions:Triamcinolone in combination with PDT in the treatment of CNV is a save procedure. Preliminary results show an enhancement of the PDT–effects by Triamcinolone. Our results suggest an advantage of a Triamcinolone injection prior to PDT. A longer follow–up is needed to confirm these results.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • photodynamic therapy • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)