Combined Photodynamic Therapy With Verteporfin And Intravitreal Triamcinolone For Juxtafoveal Choroidal Neovascularization

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To evaluate combined photodynamic therapy with verteporfin and intravitreal triamcinolone in patients with juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization in whom thermal laser photocoagulation would pose risk for treatment related injury. Methods:Fifteen patients with juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization immediately adjacent to the geometric center of the foveal avascular zone were treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin and a 4 mg. injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Results:No patient had neovascularization evident through the 3 month follow–up examination. One patient had recurrence of neovascularization at 6 months and 3 others had recurrence at 9 months following their initial treatment. The recurrences had the appearance of the original neovascularization in size and location. The recurrences responded to repeat treatment. No patient had extension of the neovascularization under the fovea. Conclusions: Combined photodynamic therapy with verteporfin with intravitreal triamcinolone offers a possibility of halting the progression of juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization, at least temporarily, and merits additional investigation.

Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • photodynamic therapy