Combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) with posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide for CNV in Non–AMD patients – 1–year results.

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: We report the long term (1–year) visual acuity and fluorescein angiographic effects of a single photodynamic therapy treatment combined with posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection in non–AMD patients with choroidal neovascular membranes in a pilot study. Methods: This non–randomized prospective clinical interventional study included 5 eyes of 5 patients having classic non–AMD 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 (12 months). Five days after treatment with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin (6 mg/m²) in a standard fashion, all patients received a 40 mg posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide with 24GA Jelco. Results: The mean visual acuity improved 2 lines (range 3 to 0 lines) from baseline to the follow up at week 52. No leakage in the primary lesion was noticed in 3 eyes at week 52. Secondary elevation of the IOP was observed in 4 patients until 5 weeks after the TA injection and anti–glaucoma medications were prescribed. No major complications were observed. Conclusions: These preliminary data of 1–year follow up suggest this combined approach for treatment of choroidal neovascular membranes may have a remarkable benefit in the Non AMD group of patients providing a long term improvement of visual acuity after a single photodynamic therapy treatment with posterior subtenon triamcinolone.

Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • photodynamic therapy • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications