Transient serous retinal detachment in classic and occult choroidal neovascularization after photodynamic therapy.

PURPOSE: To quantify transient serous retinal detachment in classic and occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) after photodynamic therapy (PDT).

DESIGN

Prospective consecutive case series.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with classic and occult CNV were examined by optical coherence tomography before PDT and at 2 and 7 days after PDT.

RESULTS

In classic CNV (n = 6), retinal elevations increased from 217 (SD 42) microm before PDT to 626 (SD 157) microm 2 days after PDT and decreased to 240 (SD 36) microm 7 days after treatment. In occult CNV (n = 4), the mean retinal elevation of 266 (SD 41) microm before PDT increased to 544 (SD 94) microm 2 days after PDT and decreased to 259 (SD 40) microm 7 days after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Cross-sectional optical coherence tomography imaging revealed transient subretinal fluid accumulation in classic as well as in occult CNV after PDT. The subretinal location possibly relates to an outer blood-retinal barrier breakdown after PDT.