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Recurrent bleeding after photodynamic therapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Yumiko Ojima1, Akitaka Tsujikawa, Atsushi Otani
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 9, 2006
Summary
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) can lead to severe recurrent bleeding. This case highlights the risk of significant vision loss following PDT in PCV patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a common cause of wet age-related macular degeneration.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a standard treatment for PCV, but carries risks.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male patient with PCV experienced recurrent subretinal and suprachoroidal hemorrhage after two sessions of PDT.
- The hemorrhages led to progressive vision loss, ultimately resulting in no light perception in the affected eye.
Findings:
- The first PDT session resulted in subretinal hemorrhage, which partially resolved.
- A second PDT session for residual neovascularization led to massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage and vitreous hemorrhage.
- Despite pars plana vitrectomy, visual acuity remained poor due to the extensive hemorrhage.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists should exercise caution when using PDT in PCV patients due to the risk of severe bleeding.
- Patients undergoing PDT for PCV should be informed about the potential for significant vision-threatening complications.