Photodynamic therapy of subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization in ocular histoplasmosis syndrome: a retrospective case series.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effect on visual acuity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in patients with subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascular membranes from ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS).

METHODS

Retrospective case series. The visual outcome of 11 patients with subfoveal (n = 6) and juxtafoveal (n = 5) choroidal neovascularization treated with PDT was reviewed. At 1 to 3 months of follow-up, retreatment with PDT was performed if angiography showed leakage.

RESULTS

Within the subfoveal group, 3 patients (50%) had improved vision (two or more lines better than initial vision), 2 patients (33.3%) had no change in vision (within 1 line), and 1 (16.7%) lost four lines of vision. At last follow-up, 3 patients (50%) had vision between 20/20 and 20/40 compared with only 1 patient (16.6%) at the initial visit. Mean follow-up was 13.7 months. Within the juxtafoveal group, 3 patients (60%) had improved vision, 1 patient (20%) had no change in vision, and 1 patient (20%) lost nine lines of vision. At last follow-up, 3 of 5 patients (60%) had vision between 20/20 and 20/40 compared with 2 patients (40%) at the initial visit. Mean follow-up was 10.2 months. No significant adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

PDT is a safe and promising option for patients with OHS with choroidal neovascularization that is subfoveal or juxtafoveal.