Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in children.

Abstract

To report the safety of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in three children. Retrospective interventional noncomparative case series. Children identified from all patients treated with verteporfin therapy at a university-based practice had records reviewed for adverse retinal or systemic events. Patients aged 11, 11, and 13 years, with subfoveal idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) received verteporfin therapy with no ocular complications recognized either immediately after the procedure or during the follow-up from 7 to 12 months. Treatment resulted in cessation of fluorescence leakage from CNV by the last follow-up visit in two patients and reduced leakage from the lesion in one. The visual acuity change was + 4, +7, and 0 lines. Verteporfin therapy in three children with subfoveal CNV was associated with stable or improved vision during short-term follow-up in the absence of serious ocular or systemic adverse events.