Large Submacular Hemorrhage Following Photodynamic Thrapy

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To report a case series of patients who developed large submacular hemorrhage following photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods:We retrospectively reviewed charts of all patients who developed large submacular hemorrhage following PDT for various macular disorders between June 2000 and November 2001. Large submacular hemorrhage was defined as being 2 mm or more in thickness and extending up to or beyond the temporal arcades. Results:Three patients met the criteria for large submacular hemorrhage. All three patients were treated for exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and were on warfarin for chronic anticoagulation. The pre-PDT INR ranged from 1.2 to 1.6. All three hemorrhages were not noted immediately after PDT but documented within 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure. Conclusion:Large submacular hemorrhage is a rare complication of PDT. Patients with ARMD on warfarin therapy appear to be mainly at risk.

Keywords: 460 macula/fovea