Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in mallatia leventinese.

Abstract

To describe a case of a patient with documented genetic mallatia leventinese who developed a classic choroidal neovascular membrane and underwent photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne; CIBA Vision Corp., Duluth, GA). Interventional case report. The patient underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation and fluorescein angiography. Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin was performed. Clinical and angiographic records were analyzed for evidence of changes in visual acuity, clinically evident subretinal fluid and the extent of fluorescein leakage from choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Three weeks after treatment, a fluorescein angiogram showed closure of the neovascular membrane, no evident subretinal fluid was seen, and visual acuity had improved from 20/60- to 20/40. Nine weeks after the application, fluorescein angiography demonstrated a microscopic hyperfluorescent spot at the site of the previously active CNV at which a small area of shallow subretinal fluid was observed, and visual acuity was 20/50. Thirty-four weeks after PDT, visual acuity was 20/60, subretinal fluid resolved, and fluorescein angiography did not show any further changes. Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin may be considered as a possible treatment in patients with mallatia leventinese who develop classic CNV.