Choroidal hemangioma treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin

To describe a new treatment for vision loss caused by subretinal fluid associated with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

Three patients were treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin for injection (Visudyne; QLT Phototherapeutics Inc, Vancouver, British Columbia). All patients had pretreatment and posttreatment fluorescein angiography and ultrasonography. Treatment parameters used were verteporfin, 6 mg/m(2), and laser light at 689 nm delivered at 50 J/cm(2) with an intensity of 600 mW/cm(2) for 83 seconds.

All patients had complete resolution of subretinal fluid within 2 weeks of treatment. Fluorescein angiography performed 2 to 4 weeks after treatment showed absence of tumor leakage. All eyes had reduced tumor thickness or complete flattening. Visual acuity was improved in each eye. Average follow-up was 5.3 months. No complications were noted.

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin is effective in eliminating subretinal fluid and improving vision in patients with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.