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Photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization associated with pattern dystrophy.
Maurizio Battaglia Parodi1, Stefano Da Pozzo, Giuseppe Ravalico
1Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Ospedale Maggiore, 34129 Trieste, Italy. maubp@yahoo.it
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|April 23, 2003
Summary
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can stabilize vision in eyes with pattern dystrophy and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). However, occult CNV in adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy showed poor visual outcomes despite PDT.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Retina
- Retinal Degenerations
Background:
- Pattern dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a group of inherited macular disorders.
- Subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) can develop in eyes with pattern dystrophy, leading to vision loss.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment option for CNV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of PDT for subfoveal CNV in patients with pattern dystrophy of the RPE.
- To compare visual outcomes across different subtypes of pattern dystrophy.
Main Methods:
- Nine eyes with pattern dystrophy and subfoveal CNV were included.
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, including angiography, were performed.
- PDT was administered per the TAP protocol, with re-treatment based on fluorescein angiography findings.
Main Results:
- Four cases of reticular dystrophy, one butterfly-shaped dystrophy, and one simulating fundus flavimaculatus had classic CNV.
- Three cases of adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy had occult CNV.
- Adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy showed significant vision loss (20/59 to 20/640), while other pattern dystrophies maintained visual acuity (20/51).
Conclusions:
- PDT can stabilize visual acuity in most cases of subfoveal CNV associated with pattern dystrophy.
- Occult CNV in adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy is an exception, with poor visual prognosis despite PDT.