Chorioretinal anastomosis after photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: CRA after PDT for PCV

Int Ophthalmol. 2008 Aug;28(4):297-9. doi: 10.1007/s10792-007-9129-7. Epub 2007 Aug 15.

Abstract

An 80-year-old woman was treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) to the left eye for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). About 3 months after PDT, her left eye developed a chorioretinal anastomosis with severe atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium in the macula; visual acuity in this eye was 20/1000. She received a second session of PDT, plus an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide. About 3 months after the second treatment, the chorioretinal anastomosis was enlarged and the retinal vessels involved in the anastomosis were more dilated. About 1 year after the first PDT, visual acuity in the left eye had stabilized at 20/400. Development of a chorioretinal anastomosis is a distinct possibility following PDT in eyes with PCV, and can lead to poor visual recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnosis
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / etiology*
  • Choroid / blood supply*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Photochemotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / adverse effects*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Retinal Vessels / abnormalities*
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents