Dramatic regression of presumed acquired retinal astrocytoma with photodynamic therapy

Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2014 Jul-Sep;21(3):283-6. doi: 10.4103/0974-9233.134699.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for treatment of various intraocular tumors including choroidal hemangioma, vasoproliferative tumor, amelanotic choroidal melanoma and choroidal neovascular membrane due to choroidal osteoma. This case report documents the effect of PDT for a presumed acquired retinal astrocytoma. A 42-year-old female with a juxtapapillary acquired astrocytoma was treated with a single session of PDT using standard parameters. The tumor showed dramatic regression over 6 months into a fibrotic scar. It remained regressed and stable with 20/20 vision after 51 months of follow-up. We believe that PDT can be used as a primary treatment for acquired retinal astrocytoma.

Keywords: Astrocytoma; Photodynamic Therapy; Retinal Astrocytoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Astrocytoma / diagnosis
  • Astrocytoma / drug therapy*
  • Astrocytoma / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Porphyrins / therapeutic use*
  • Retinal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Retinal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Retinal Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Verteporfin
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Porphyrins
  • Verteporfin