Application of the standard photodynamic treatment protocol for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

PURPOSE: To describe the results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a standard protocol, developed for treating choroidal neovascularization (CNV), for the treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH).

METHODS

A prospective, uncontrolled, consecutive case series of patients with symptomatic CCH that were treated using the standard PDT protocol was evaluated periodically with ophthalmic exams and echography.

RESULTS

Nine CCH patients were included in the study. Mean tumor height decreased from 2.7 mm before treatment to 0.8 mm at the end of the follow-up period. Mean visual acuity improved from 6/15 to 6/12. Six patients required one PDT session, two patients two sessions, and one patient three sessions. Side effects included transient visual disturbances in two patients. One patient, who concomitantly presented with age-related macular degeneration, developed CNV.

CONCLUSIONS

The standard PDT protocol is effective for the treatment of CCH. Complications are uncommon. Further studies should assess the optimal PDT protocol for the treatment of CCH.