Photodynamic Therapy for Subfoveal and Juxtafoveal Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Punctate Inner Choroidopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the treatment of subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) in patients affected by punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC). Methods: A chart review of 8 patients with CNV associated with PIC treated with vPDT was done. Results: The 8 patients (8 eyes) included 4 men and 4 women with a mean age of 30.9 years. Six of them presented juxtafoveal CNVs, and two had subfoveal CNVs, at presentation. Mean follow-up time was 22.7 months. The VA improved in five eyes, and three eyes declined. One patient developed a new CNV a few days after vPDT, and one had multiple CNVs at presentation. Two of the 3 patients with longer follow-up period presented late recurrences. Conclusions: vPDT is a beneficial resource in stabilizing and also improving VA in PIC patients affected with subfoveal and juxtafoveal CNV, although one third of the patients retain poor visual acuity.

KEYWORDS:

• Choroidal neovascularization (CNV)
• photodynamic therapy (PDT)
• punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC)
• verteporfin