Indocyanine green angiography: guided photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Systematic review with network meta-analysis of antivascular endothelial growth factor use in managing polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a vision-threatening disease common in Asian populations. However, the optimal treatment for PCV remains under debate. We searched the databases with optimal searching strategy. The study included randomized clinical trials and prospective studies that recruited patients with active PCV who had received interventions, including PDT, anti-VEGF, or a combination of PDT and anti-VEGF. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology was used for rating the quality of evidence. Our study included 11 studies involving 1277 patients. The network meta-analysis of RCTs revealed the anti-VEGF group, early combination group, and late combination group had significant BCVA changes compared with the PDT group. Early combination therapy led to a significant decrease in CRT compared with PDT, anti-VEGF, and late combination therapy. Additionally, the early combination group had a significantly higher complete polyp regression rate than the anti-VEGF group. No significant differences were detected in the analysis of the number of anti-VEGF injections and safety profile. This network meta-analysis revealed that early combination therapy exhibited better efficacy related to anatomical outcomes than other therapies. Nonetheless, no significant differences related to BCVA change could be detected between anti-VEGF and late combination therapy.

Idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: a review of literature with clinical update on current management practices

PURPOSE

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is a major cause of visual disability in a vast majority of Asian population due to exudative maculopathy. Although it is a distinctive disease entity with characteristic pathophysiology, genetics, immunology and clinical features, but it is still misdiagnosed as neovascular age related macular degeneration as both the diseases are a part of pachychoroid spectrum and have some similar features. Also, there are varied options for the management of this disease, but there are no clear recommendations. So, a detailed review of the literature has been done along with special attention to the recent therapeutic advances to help the readers get a better understanding of the disease and its current management practices.

METHOD

Detailed review of literature regarding polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was done. The disease pathophysiology, genetics, risk factors, diagnostic modalities along with current treatment guidelines were extensively studied and compiled.

RESULT

A comprehensive clinical update on polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was compiled with special emphasis on the recent diagnostic modalities and treatment guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is a distinct clinical entity which can be diagnosed based on indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography. Treatment includes various options like photodynamic therapy, anti VEGF agents and thermal laser ablation. A review of literature has been done and recent diagnostic modalities with management practices have been compiled for the better understanding of the disease.

Incomplete response to Anti-VEGF therapy in neovascular AMD: Exploring disease mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs have revolutionized the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD). However, many patients suffer from incomplete response to anti-VEGF therapy (IRT), which is defined as (1) persistent (plasma) fluid exudation; (2) unresolved or new hemorrhage; (3) progressive lesion fibrosis; and/or (4) suboptimal vision recovery. The first three of these collectively comprise the problem of persistent disease activity (PDA) in spite of anti-VEGF therapy. Meanwhile, the problem of suboptimal vision recovery (SVR) is defined as a failure to achieve excellent functional visual acuity of 20/40 or better in spite of sufficient anti-VEGF treatment. Thus, incomplete response to anti-VEGF therapy, and specifically PDA and SVR, represent significant clinical unmet needs. In this review, we will explore PDA and SVR in NVAMD, characterizing the clinical manifestations and exploring the pathobiology of each. We will demonstrate that PDA occurs most frequently in NVAMD patients who develop high-flow CNV lesions with arteriolarization, in contrast to patients with capillary CNV who are highly responsive to anti-VEGF therapy. We will review investigations of experimental CNV and demonstrate that both types of CNV can be modeled in mice. We will present and consider a provocative hypothesis: formation of arteriolar CNV occurs via a distinct pathobiology, termed neovascular remodeling (NVR), wherein blood-derived macrophages infiltrate the incipient CNV lesion, recruit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) from the circulation, and activate MPCs to become vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and myofibroblasts, driving the development of high-flow CNV with arteriolarization and perivascular fibrosis. In considering SVR, we will discuss the concept that limited or poor vision in spite of anti-VEGF may not be caused simply by photoreceptor degeneration but instead may be associated with photoreceptor synaptic dysfunction in the neurosensory retina overlying CNV, triggered by infiltrating blood-derived macrophages and mediated by Müller cell activation Finally, for each of PDA and SVR, we will discuss current approaches to disease management and treatment and consider novel avenues for potential future therapies.

Therapeutic effects of ranibizumab in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Background

There is no consensus on the optimal initial treatment for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Our study aimed to report the efficacy of repeated injections of intravitreal ranibizumab with or without photodynamic therapy for the treatment of PCV and to determine the possible factors predictive of visual outcomes.

Methods

The results of the initial treatment of 40 patients with PCV with 3 monthly injections of ranibizumab were retrospectively reviewed. We compared the results in terms of the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the central retinal thickness (CRT), the number of injections, the regression rates of polyps and the rates of the reduction of subretinal fluid.

Results

At the 3-month follow-up, the mean BCVA was significantly increased by 7.3 ± 12.4 letters compared to baseline (p < 0.01). At the 12-month follow-up, the mean BCVA was increased by 3.4 ± 15.4 letters compared to baseline, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). The mean CRT at the 12-month follow-up was 593.58 ± 243.64 μm, with an average decrease of 101.55 ± 256.07 μm compared to baseline (p < 0.01). Fifteen eyes (18.8%) showed the complete regression of polyps, and 22 eyes (27.5%) showed a reduction in polyps. The baseline VA, the reduction in subretinal fluids and the greatest lesion diameter were significant independent factors that were predictive of improved VA at the final follow-up.

Conclusions

Three monthly injections of ranibizumab as an initial treatment could significantly improve VA in PCV patients in the short term. At 12 months postinjection, ranibizumab treatment could stabilize VA in most PCV patients. The baseline VA, the reduction in subretinal fluids and the greatest lesion diameter were predictive factors for the relative improvement of VA at the final follow-up.

Prognostic factors for combined ranibizumab and prompt verteporfin photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic factors for the combined therapy of ranibizumab and prompt verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) for eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

Sixty-two PCV eyes of 62 patients that received the initial treatment of intravitreal ranibizumab followed by vPDT within 1 week plus a 2nd intravitreal ranibizumab 1 month later in one single medical center were retrospectively enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and parameters obtained from optical coherence tomography at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 1  year were measured and compared. Factors associated with polyp regression, recurrent hemorrhage and visual improvement were analyzed.

RESULTS

After the loading treatment, complete and partial polyp regression was achieved in 53.6% and 39.3% of cases, respectively at Month 3. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of BCVA improved from 0.64 ± 0.38 to 0.55 ± 0.46 (P =  0.008) at Month 12. Recurrent hemorrhage (P =  0.001) and previous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment (P =  0.017) were associated with poorer visual improvement at Month 12. Incomplete polyp regression (P =  0.038) and previous anti-VEGF treatment (P =  0.005) were associated with a higher risk of recurrent hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent hemorrhage was associated with poor visual improvement after combined ranibizumab and vPDT for PCV. Complete polyp eradication was associated with a lower risk of recurrent hemorrhage. Patients who had previously received anti-VEGF were associated with recurrent hemorrhage and poor visual improvement; more frequent follow-ups and more aggressive subsequent treatments may be needed for these cases.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: a comprehensive clinical update

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy as a disease is yet to be comprehended completely. The clinical features consisting of huge serosanguineous retinal pigment epithelial and neurosensory layer detachments, although unique may closely mimick neovascular age-related macular degeneration and other counterparts. The investigative modalities starting from indocyanine angiography to optical coherence tomography angiography provide diagnostic challenges. The management strategies based on the available therapies are plenty and not vivid. A detailed review with clarifying images has been compiled with an aim to help the readers in getting a better understanding of the disease.

One-year outcomes of intravitreal conbercept combined rescue therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in a Chinese population: a real-life clinical data

AIM

To evaluate the real-life clinical outcomes of intravitreal injection of conbercept combined rescue therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

This was an open label, single center, and interventional study. All enrolled patients were treated initially with three consecutive monthly intravitreal conbercept injections (0.5 mg). Additional conbercept injections were administered upon substantial polyp regression with improved visual acuity (VA). Eyes with partial or no polyp regression and poor VA were rescue treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for subfoveal polyps or thermal laser photocoagulation for extrafoveal polyps. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) and polyp regression were observed as primary outcomes. Side effects were also collected during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

A total of 56 eyes (56 patients) with PCV were included. BCVA increased significantly from the baseline of 43.52±24.21 letters to 55.88±21.94 letters (P<0.001) at 12mo, while CFT decreased significantly from 457.41±207.86 µm to 247.98±127.08 µm (P<0.001). All patients showed polyp regression. Twenty-three eyes achieved complete polyp regression after the three initial injections, which increased to 44 eyes at 12mo. Seventeen eyes underwent rescue therapy, among which 2 eyes treated with PDT and 15 eyes treated with laser photocoagulation. A mean of 4.30±1.43 injections were given per eye. No intraocular inflammation, retinal or vitreous hemorrhage, or systemic complication occurred.

CONCLUSION

Conbercept is an effective and safe option for the treatment of PCV in Chinese population. The treatment regimen of three initial conbercept injections followed by additional injections or rescue therapies is efficacious for treating PCV.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: An update on current management and review of literature

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), commonly seen in the Asian population. It is dissimilar in epidemiology, genetic heterogeneity, pathogenesis, natural history, and response to treatment in comparison to nAMD. Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy-based simultaneous fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth imaging, swept-source OCT, and OCT angiography have improved the ability to detect PCV, understand its pathology, and monitor treatment response. A plethora of literature has discussed the efficacy of photodynamic therapy, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy, and combination of both, but only a few studies with higher level of evidence and limited follow-up duration are available. This review discusses the understanding of PCV with respect to epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, natural history, imaging techniques, and various treatment options. Recent clinical trials (EVEREST-II and PLANET study) have emphasized that either anti-VEGF monotherapy or combination treatment is equally capable to strike a balance between polyp regression and stabilization of visual acuity. The recurrent nature of the disease, the development of macular atrophy, and the long-term poor visual prognosis despite treatment are concerns that open avenues for further research.

Long-term results of photodynamic therapy or ranibizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in LAPTOP study

BACKGROUND/AIM

We previously reported that ranibizumab performed better on visual prognosis than photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a Ranibizumab (Lucentis) And Photodynamic Therapy On Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (LAPTOP) study. To determine if the first-choice treatment, either PDT or intravitreal ranibizumab, has a long-term effect in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

We reviewed medical records of patientsrandomised to either PDT (29 eyes) or ranibizumab (27 eyes) from July 2009 to June 2011 in LAPTOP study. Retreatment or switching to other treatments were at the investigator's discretion after release from the 2-year LAPTOP study up to 5years. We evaluated visual acuity (VA), continuity of initial treatment, percentage of dry macula achievement and macular atrophy at 5 years.

RESULTS

The logarithm of minimal angle of resolution VA was 0.56 in the PDT and 0.44 in the ranibizumab groups at baseline (p=0.101) and was 0.55 and 0.28 at 5years, respectively (p<0.05). More than 70% of the patients converted to aflibercept in following years. Achievement percentages of dry macula were 74% (PDT) and 63% (ranibizumab) at 5years, and macular atrophy was detected in 78% (PDT) and 60% (ranibizumab) with a mean area of 7.7 and 3.5 mm², respectively (p=0.155).

CONCLUSIONS

The better VA in the initial ranibizumab group compared with the PDT group at 2 years was retained at the 5-year follow-up.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: Pearls in diagnosis and management

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is increasingly recognized as an important cause of exudative maculopathy in Asians as against Wet age-related macular degeneration in Caucasians. A panel of retinal experts methodically evaluated pertinent updated literature on PCV with thorough PubMed/MEDLINE search. Based on this, the panel agreed upon and proposed the current consensus recommendations in the diagnosis (clinical and imaging), management and follow-up schedule of PCV. Diagnosis of PCV should be based on the gold standard indocyanine green angiography which demonstrates early nodular hyperfluorescence signifying the polyp with additional features such as abnormal vascular network (AVN). Optical coherence tomography is an excellent adjuvant for diagnosing PCV, monitoring disease activity, and decision-making regarding the treatment. Current treatment modalities for PCV include photodynamic therapy, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, and thermal laser. Choice of specific treatment modality and prognosis depends on multiple factors such as the location and size of PCV lesion, presence or absence of polyp with residual AVN, amount of submacular hemorrhage, presence or absence of leakage on fundus fluorescein angiography, visual acuity, and so on. Current recommendations would be invaluable for the treating physician in diagnosing PCV and in formulating the best possible individualized treatment strategy for optimal outcomes in PCV management.

Baseline data from a multicenter, 5-year, prospective cohort study of Japanese age-related macular degeneration: an AMD2000 report

PURPOSE

To report research participants' baseline characteristics in the AMD2000 study, a prospective, multicenter, 5-year, observational cohort study of Japanese age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The characteristics were determined using multimodal imaging.

METHODS

Patients with AMD were recruited at 18 clinical sites in Japan between April 2006 and March 2009. Each patient underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (Landolt chart), indirect ophthalmoscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy with a contact lens, optical coherence tomography imaging, fundus photography, and fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography.

RESULTS

Four hundred sixty participants (326 men [70.9%]) were included in the study. At enrollment, 131 eyes (28.5%) had hard drusen and 125 eyes (27.2%) had soft drusen in the macular area. A total of 455 eyes (98.9%) were diagnosed as having wet AMD, and 5 eyes (1.1%), as having dry AMD. Of the 455 eyes with wet AMD, 209 eyes (45.4%) had typical AMD, 228 eyes (49.6%) had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and 18 eyes (3.9%) had retinal angiomatous proliferation. The size of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was significantly smaller with indocyanine green angiography than with fluorescein angiography (P < 0.001). Poor baseline visual acuity was associated with cystoid macular edema, older age, scar, extrafoveal macular edema, subfoveal CNV, large branching vascular network, and hard exudates.

CONCLUSION

Japanese patients with AMD are predominantly male, lack drusen, and have a high rate of PCV.

A 5-year multicenter prospective cohort study on the long-term visual prognosis and predictive factors for visual outcome in Japanese patients with age-related macular degeneration: the AMD2000 study

PURPOSE

In this study (AMD2000), we aimed to determine the visual prognosis of Japanese patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

This was a multicenter prospective observational cohort study. In total, 460 patients with AMD were recruited from April 2006 to March 2009 from 18 clinical trial sites in Japan. They were followed up for 5 years, as they continued to receive medical treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 409 study eyes followed up for at least 1 year, 243 eyes (59.4%) were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin, and 58 eyes (14.2%) were treated with intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents as the initial treatment. The mean best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) for typical AMD (tAMD; 0.688 ± 0.498) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV; 0.451 ± 0.395) were significantly less at 2 years (tAMD, 0.779 ± 0.632, P < 0.05; PCV, 0.534 ± 0.618, P < 0.05) and at 5 years (AMD, 0.873 ± 0.718, P < 0.05; PCV, 0.635 ± 0.668, P < 0.05) than at baseline. In eyes with tAMD, absence of blocked fluorescence was associated with 5-year maintenance of the baseline BCVA. Regarding PCV, the presence of polypoidal lesions and cystoid macular edema as well as the lesion size was associated with 5-year maintenance of the baseline BCVA. In some patients, the diagnosis changed: of the 192 eyes initially diagnosed with typical AMD, 19 were newly diagnosed with PCV during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining the baseline BCVA over the long term is difficult in Japanese eyes with wet AMD.

Reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in an Indian population

AIMS

The aim was to study the efficacy of combined therapy with reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (RFPDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab/ranibizumab from the Indian subcontinent.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This was a single-center, retrospective interventional study.

METHODS

Thirty-five eyes of 34 patients diagnosed with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy were included. All the patients underwent RFPDT, followed by intravitreal bevacizumab/ranibizumab.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

SPSS software, version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used to compare the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity at presentation and final follow-up. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Regression of polyps after a single session of RFPDT was seen in five eyes; multiple sessions of treatment were required in thirty eyes. An average number of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections given were 4 ± 1.9 and average number of PDT sessions were 1.2 ± 0.5. Visual acuity improvement was seen in 21 (60%) eyes (P < 0.001), decrease in visual acuity was seen in 7 (20%) eyes (P = 0.016), and in 7 eyes (20%), vision remained stable. Regression of polypoidal lesions was seen in 80% of cases. No complications of massive subretinal hemorrhage or breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage were noted in our patients. The mean follow-up period was 18 months (range, 12-24 months).

CONCLUSIONS

RFPDT with anti-VEGF is safe and effective treatment with polyp regression and vision improvement in 80% of cases, without any complication of subretinal hemorrhage/vitreous hemorrhage.

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this paper is to review the recent literature of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and provide an update on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical findings, and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although indocyanine-green angiography (ICGA) is still the gold standard for diagnosis of PCV, the use of en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography are useful tools in the diagnosis of PCV. Studies demonstrate superior treatment outcomes with combination photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy.

SUMMARY

PCV is a disease most commonly in Asians and African-Americans and presents with an orange-red nodule in the macula or the peripapillary region. While ICGA remains the most accurate method to diagnose PCV, newer non-invasive imaging modalities (eg. OCT-A and en face OCT) can be used to identify PCV lesions. The combination of PDT and anti-VEGF therapy is superior to either monotherapy. Future studies of OCT modalities and other anti-VEGF agents will be important in guiding PCV diagnosis and management, respectively.

Photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy secondary to choroidal nevus

We report a case of a Caucasian female who developed active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) at the edge of a stable choroidal nevus and was successfully treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy. No active polyp was detectable on indocyanine green angiography 2 years after treatment, and good vision was maintained. Indocyanine green angiography is a useful investigation to diagnose PCV and may be underutilized. Unlike treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevus, management of PCV secondary to nevus may not require intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Photodynamic monotherapy may be an effective treatment of secondary PCV.

Accurate Joint-Alignment of Indocyanine Green and Fluorescein Angiograph Sequences for Treatment of Subretinal Lesions

In ophthalmology, aligning images in indocyanine green and fluorescein angiograph sequences is important for the treatment of subretinal lesions. This paper introduces an algorithm that is tailored to align jointly in a common reference space all the images in an angiogram sequence containing both modalities. To overcome the issues of low image contrast and low signal-to-noise ratio for late-phase images, the structural similarity between two images is enhanced using Gabor wavelet transform. Image pairs are pairwise registered and the transformations are simultaneously and globally adjusted for a mutually consistent joint alignment. The joint registration process is incremental and the success depends on the correctness of matches from the pairwise registration. To safeguard the joint process, our system performs the consistency test to exclude incorrect pairwise results automatically to ensure correct matches as more images are jointly aligned. Our dataset consists of 60 sequences of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy collected by the EVEREST Study Group. On average, each sequence contains 20 images. Our algorithm successfully pairwise registered 95.04% of all image pairs, and joint registered 98.7% of all images, with an average alignment error of 1.58 pixels.

Vision Preservation in Eyes of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy with Low-Dose Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of using low-dose intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) to preserve vision in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) eyes.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review study examined 8 eyes of 7 PCV patients, for whom verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) or antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy was not affordable/available and also with intolerable risk because of underlying cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular ischemia. Low-dose IVTA (1 mg/0.025 mL) monotherapy was administered and repeated every 4 weeks if intraretinal edema or subretinal fluid persisted.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 26.4 months. Three eyes (3/8) maintained their initial best-corrected visual acuity and 4 eyes (4/8) exhibited improvement, whereas 1 eye (1/8) sustained some loss. The mean injection number per month was 0.7 for the first 6 months, after which it decreased to 0.4. In regard to adverse effects, intraocular pressure (IOP) of more than 21 mmHg was noted as persisting for a few weeks in 4 eyes and that of more than 30 mmHg was noted once in 1 eye. The increased IOP was adequately controlled by using IOP-lowering agents. Two initially phakic eyes each underwent cataract surgery in the 12th and 14th months after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose IVTA therapy may be valuable for preserving the vision of PCV patients, while vPDT or anti-VEGF is not affordable/available or of those with underlying diseases for whom anti-VEGF therapy is with intolerable risk.

EFFICACY OF INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF CONBERCEPT IN POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY: Subgroup Analysis of the Aurora Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of different doses of conbercept in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in the AURORA study.

METHODS

Retrospective subgroup analyses of 12-month data from the AURORA study. Fifty-three patients (32 in 0.5-mg group and 21 in 2.0-mg group) diagnosed with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in AURORA study were retrospectively evaluated. Efficacy outcomes were compared between the two dosage groups.

RESULTS

At Month 12, mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline were 14.4 ± 14.1 letter scores for the 0.5-mg group and 14.2 ± 21.0 letter scores for the 2.0-mg group; mean central retinal thickness decreased by 104.5 ± 127.3 μm in the 0.5-mg group and 140.7 ± 127.9 μm in the 2.0-mg group; mean total macular volume decreased by 0.9 ± 2.3 mm and 1.0 ± 1.2 mm in the 0.5-mg and 2.0-mg groups, respectively. The mean subretinal fluid thickness decreased by 111.9 ± 122.5 μm and 76.3 ± 112.6 μm in the 0.5-mg and 2.0-mg groups, respectively. The mean pigment epithelial detachment height decreased by 79.3 ± 217.8 μm and 61.3 ± 161.5 μm in the 0.5-mg and 2.0-mg groups, respectively. The mean area of polyps decreased by 0.46 ± 0.76 mm and 0.55 ± 1.34 mm in the 0.5-mg and 2.0-mg groups, respectively. The mean total lesion area decreased by 2.51 ± 5.94 mm (P = 0.088) and 4.62 ± 5.51 mm in the 0.5-mg group and 2.0-mg groups, respectively. Complete regression of polyps was observed in 56.5% of patients in the 0.5-mg group and 52.9% of those in the 2.0-mg group, whereas partial regression was observed in 26.1% and 35.3% of patients in the 0.5-mg and 2.0-mg groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal injection of conbercept appears to significantly improve visual acuity and anatomical outcomes in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

ONE-YEAR RESULTS OF INTRAVITREAL AFLIBERCEPT FOR POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 1-year results of intravitreal aflibercept injections for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy based on indocyanine green angiography findings.

METHODS

Twenty-nine eyes with treatment-naive polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treated with intravitreal aflibercept injections and followed longer than 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. The best-corrected visual acuity, optical coherence tomography findings, and polypoidal lesions in indocyanine green angiography were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean number of injections through 1 year was 3.9 ± 1.9 (range: 1-8). Fourteen eyes (48%) were received no additional injections because of no recurrence of exudative change after the first loading dose. The mean best-corrected visual acuity levels at 6 months and 1 year significantly improved, and the mean central retinal thickness significantly decreased at all observation points from the baseline. At 3 months, the polypoidal lesions completely resolved in 19 (66%) eyes. At 1 year, the complete resolution of polypoidal lesions was seen in 4 of 10 eyes with persistent polypoidal lesions at 3 months. However, polypoidal lesions recurred at 1 year in 5 of 19 eyes (26%) with complete resolution of polypoidal lesions at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Aflibercept is effective for the eyes with treatment-naive polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy to achieve the resolution of polypoidal lesions. The authors need to carefully observe the eyes after confirming complete resolution of polypoidal lesion because of recurrent polyps seen in one-quarter of the study eyes.

THREE-YEAR RESULTS OF POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY TREATED WITH PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY: Retrospective Study and Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 3-year outcome in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) treated with photodynamic therapy with verteporfin.

METHODS

Retrospective study and review of the literature. We performed a retrospective study of patients with PCV who were treated with photodynamic therapy between January 2007 and December 2008. Patients were excluded if they had received photodynamic therapy before the study period, but those who received previous treatment with other modalities (thermal laser or intravitreal therapies) were allowed. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, repeat photodynamic therapy, and recurrence of PCV at the end of Years 1, 2, and 3. We further conducted a systematic review of the literature using the terms "polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy" and "photodynamic therapy" and compared the visual outcome of studies over 3 years using meta-analytical methods.

RESULTS

The retrospective study included 68 eyes. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.73 ± 0.56 logMAR (20/107, Snellen equivalent) at baseline, 0.73 ± 0.70 logMAR (20/107, Snellen equivalent) at 1 year, 0.96 ± 0.76 logMAR (20/182, Snellen equivalent) at 2 years, and 1.07 ± 0.81 logMAR (20/235, Snellen equivalent) at 3 years. The cumulative recurrence rates of PCV were 16.1% (1 year), 34.9% (2 years), and 52.7% (3 years) and eyes with recurrence were more likely to suffer ≥3 lines loss compared with eyes without recurrence (63.2 vs. 17.6%, P = 0.006). The systematic review summarized results from 48 published studies and our retrospective study. The pooled analysis from 29 studies (316 eyes reporting the 3-year visual outcome) reported mean best-corrected visual acuity improvement of 0.115 logMAR at 1 year (n = 1,669), 0.066 logMAR at 2 years (n = 701), and 0.027 logMAR at 3 years (n = 316). Reported recurrence rates were 5.9% to 50.0% after 1 year, 9.1% to 83.3% after 2 years, and 40.0% to 78.6% after 3 years or longer of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The visual outcome in eyes with PCV was stable until 2 years, but the outcome at 3 years worsened, particularly in eyes that experienced recurrence.

Photodynamic therapy: current role in the treatment of chorioretinal conditions

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) is a selective vaso-occlusive treatment that targets choroidal vascular abnormalities. It was initially developed to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration using the 'standard' vPDT protocol (verteporfin 6 mg/m(2), vPDT laser fluence 50 J/cm(2)). vPDT therapy has subsequently evolved as an important treatment modality for a range of other chorioretinal conditions including choroidal haemangioma, central serous chorioretinopathy, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and peripapillary choroidal neovascularisation. Various 'safety-enhanced' vPDT protocols have been devised to optimise treatment outcomes, typically using reduced dose verteporfin (verteporfin 3 mg/m(2)) or reduced fluence vPDT (vPDT laser fluence 25 J/cm(2)). This paper reviews the current role of vPDT therapy in the treatment of chorioretinal conditions.

Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Objectives:

To report outcomes of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and combined therapy with PDT and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-four eyes of 31 patients with subfoveal PCV were evaluated. Nine eyes were treated with PDT and 25 eyes treated with combined therapy of PDT and IVB. All eyes had a follow-up period of at least 12 months. In this retrospective study the demographic features, best corrected visual acuity, fundus color photography, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography of the 34 eyes were evaluated.

Results:

Visual acuity improved but did not change significantly in the patients treated with PDT and combined PDT+IVB therapy (p=0.149; p=0.087). Although the mean central foveal thickness decreased in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.98). The polypoidal lesions regressed in 6 (66.7%) of 9 eyes in the PDT monotherapy group and 16 (64%) of 25 eyes in the PDT+IVB combined therapy group.

Conclusion:

Both PDT and a combined therapy of PDT and IVB yielded successful outcomes in patients with PCV.

1-year results of combined half-dose photodynamic therapy and ranibizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Background

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT combined with ranibizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). PCV is commonly treated with a combination of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and standard-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT). Choroidal ischemia and visual loss can be resulted from the standard-dose PDT. Half-dose PDT has proved to produce similar results and safety profile in treating central serous chorioretinopathy. Half-dose PDT may offer an alternative for PCV cases where the damage to choroidal vasculature maybe less. Here, we report the efficacy of treating PCV cases with combination of ranibizumab and half-dose PDT.

Methods

In this prospective, non-comparative, interventional case series, 19 treatment-naive eyes were treated with combined half-dose PDT and ranibizumab. All subjects were followed up for 12 months with measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) by optical coherence tomography. Indocyanine green angiogram (ICG) was performed every 3-monthly, and subjects assessed in terms of polyp regression rates, changes in vision and central foveal thickness, need to repeat half-dose PDT. Subgroup analysis was performed based on ICG features.

Results

The mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.64 at baseline to 0.41 at 12 months. The mean CFT improved from 459.6mum at baseline to 384.2mum at 12 months. The difference between baseline BCVA and CFT and that at 12 months were statistically significant (both P = 0.03). Polyp regression rate after one half-dose PDT was 42.1 %. This was 61.5 % in the polyp-only group, while that in the branching-vascular-network (BVN) group was 0 % (P = <0.01).

Conclusion

Half-dose PDT combined with intravitreal ranibizumab was able to induce high polyp regression rate in PCV cases that had one single polyp.

Effect of aflibercept in patients with age-related macular degeneration

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard induction therapy with intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at 6 months after completion of induction therapy. Eleven eyes with typical AMD (tAMD) and 13 eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) received three monthly doses of IVA (2 mg/0.05 ml in weeks 0, 4, and 8) for treatment of exudative AMD. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured, and optical coherence tomography was performed at baseline and at each monthly visit until 6 months after IVA. Treatment failure was defined as persistent or recurrent AMD that presented with cystoid macular edema, serous retinal detachment, and pigment epithelium detachment. Mean logMAR BCVA was improved from 0.62 ± 0.46 at baseline to 0.54 ± 0.43 at 6 months after IVA (p < 0.05). The success rate was 95.8 % at 3 months and 75.0 % at 6 months after IVA. Failure of IVA was positively associated with the absence of PVD before treatment (r = 0.35) and with the AMD type (tAMD, r = 0.43) by univariate analysis. Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that the absence of PVD before treatment was associated with an increased risk of failure of IVA (OR = 33.17, p = 0.0219). Three months of induction IVA achieved a high success rate in patients with AMD monitored for up to 6 months. Factors associated with failure of IVA were the absence of PVD and the presence of tAMD. Accordingly, continuation of IVA following induction therapy may be beneficial to manage AMD in patients with tAMD or those without PVD.

Outcome of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy at 1 year by combined therapy of photodynamic therapy with ranibizumab and predictive factors governing the outcome

AIM

To report the visual outcome of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy receiving combined treatment with photodynamic therapy using Visudyne and intravitreal ranibizumab injections, and to analyze the predictive factors of visual outcome at 1 year post treatment.

METHODS

Seventy-four consecutive patients with newly diagnosed polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy were treated with photodynamic therapy using Visudyne and three loading doses of intravitreal ranibizumab. The final visual outcome and polyp eradication rate at 1 year were reported. A stepwise regression model was used to estimate the baseline clinical factors predictive of better visual outcome and polyp eradication.

RESULTS

Visual acuities at 12-months follow-up improved significantly compared with baseline from 0.828 logMAR to 0.728 logMAR (P=0.026). The mean foveal thickness decreased from 380±175 to 278±117 μm. In all 29.7% of eyes improved at least by 0.3 logMAR, and 55.4% remained stable in visual acuity with less than 0.3 logMAR change. Overall, 85% of eyes achieved at least stable vision, 20.2% (15/74) cases achieved polyp eradication on angiogram, and 60.8% (45/74) achieved polyp size reduction on angiogram at 1 year. Regarding predictive factors, the baseline visual acuity (P=0.003), no foveal involvement by abnormal choroidal vasculature (P<0.0001), absence of hard exudates (0.001) or subretinal fluid (<0.0001) are important clinical factors affecting the final visual outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy with photodynamic therapy using Visudyne and three loading doses of intravitreal ranibizumab injections resulted in 85% success rate on visual stabilization and 81% success rate in polypoidal lesion control.

Comparison of exudative age-related macular degeneration subtypes in Japanese and French Patients: multicenter diagnosis with multimodal imaging

PURPOSE

To compare and analyze differences and similarities between Japanese and French patients in subtype diagnosis of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as determined by fundus photography (FP) and fluorescein angiography (FA), and a multimodal imaging involving FP, FA, indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

We determined the subtype diagnosis for 99 consecutive Japanese eyes and 94 consecutive French eyes with exudative AMD. The first-step diagnosis was made using FP and FA, while the second-step diagnosis was made using FP, FA/ICGA, and OCT. The diagnoses made by Japanese and French physicians were compared, and when the diagnoses differed, a third institute was consulted to arrive at a final consensus and diagnosis.

RESULTS

The first-step diagnosis showed 20%-30% disagreement against the final diagnosis, but the second-step diagnosis showed only 10% disagreement. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) was observed more in Japanese patients (48%) than in French (9%), and the rate of PCV with type 1 or 2 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was extremely low: 3% in Japanese and 0% in French. Type 1 CNV was found significantly more in French cases (53.3% vs 35.1%, P=.018), while the rate of eyes with type 2 CNV only or chorioretinal anastomosis was similar between populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodality imaging significantly improved the sub-classification of AMD. There were significant differences between the 2 series in the proportions of type 1 CNV and PCV, while the proportions of type 2 CNV only and chorioretinal anastomosis were similar between groups.

Changes in fundus autofluorescence after treatments for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate changes in fundus autofluorescence (FAF) after treatments for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

Thirty-six eyes of 35 patients with treatment-naive PCV underwent intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, photodynamic therapy, or a combination of both treatments. FAF and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) at baseline were compared with those obtained 12 months later about the changes at the affected lesion.

RESULTS

In the 36 eyes, 88 polyps were detected on ICGA at baseline, and 65 (73.9%) of those showed centred hypoautofluorescence and a circumferential hyperautofluorescent ring on FAF. Twelve months later, ICGA revealed resolution of 42 of those 65 polyps. Of those 42 resolved polyps, 30 hyperautofluorescent rings (71.4%) were eliminated concurrently with the resolution of polyp. Statistical analysis revealed that an elimination of the hyperautofluorescent ring was more frequently observed in association with the resolved polyps than with the persistent polyps (p<0.0001). All the hypoautofluorescent findings corresponding to branching vascular networks at baseline were unchanged during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Elimination of the hyperautofluorescent ring is highly associated with the resolution of the polyp on ICGA. We propose that FAF has a potential as a non-invasive method of evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of treatments for PCV.

One-year results of intravitreal ranibizumab combined with reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Purpose

To compare the 1-year results of intravitreal ranibizumab combined with reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (RF-PDT) to intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) alone for eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Methods

We reviewed the medical records from 47 consecutive patients with PCV (47 naïve eyes). Seventeen eyes from 17 patients had one IVR treatment combined with RF-PDT followed by two additional IVR treatments (combined group), and 30 eyes from 30 patients were treated with 3 monthly IVR treatments (IVR group). All eyes had a follow-up period of at least 12 months.

Results

At 12 months, the mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved from 0.55 to 0.38 logMAR units in the combined group (P=0.041) but did not change significantly in the IVR group (P=0.371). The central foveal thickness (CFT) was significantly thinner in both groups at 6 months (P<0.01). Additional IVR injections were required less frequently in the combined group (n=3; 17%) than in the IVR group (n=16; 53%) during the 12 month follow-up (P=0.029).

Conclusion

The IVR and RF-PDT combination led to significant BCVA improvements and required fewer additional IVR treatments for at least 12 months in eyes with PCV.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: evidence-based guidelines for clinical diagnosis and treatment

BACKGROUND

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is an exudative maculopathy affecting vision, with clinical features distinct from neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Currently, no evidence-based guidelines exist for its diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

A panel of experts analyzed a systematic literature search on PCV together with results of the EVEREST trial, the only published randomized controlled clinical trial in PCV. At a subsequent Roundtable meeting, recommendations for the management of PCV were agreed based on this analysis and their own expert opinion.

RESULTS

Diagnosis of PCV should be based on early-phase nodular hyperfluorescence from choroidal vasculature visualized using indocyanine green angiography. Recommended initial treatment of juxtafoveal and subfoveal PCV is either indocyanine green angiography-guided verteporfin photodynamic therapy or verteporfin photodynamic therapy plus 3 × 0.5 mg ranibizumab intravitreal injections 1 month apart. If there is incomplete regression of polyps by indocyanine green angiography, eyes should be retreated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy monotherapy or verteporfin photodynamic therapy plus ranibizumab. If there is complete regression of polyps by indocyanine green angiography, but there is leakage on fluorescein angiography and other clinical or anatomical signs of disease activity, eyes should be retreated with ranibizumab.

CONCLUSION

Practical guidance on the clinical management of PCV is proposed based on expert evaluation of current evidence.

Comparison of the effect of ranibizumab and verteporfin for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: 12-month LAPTOP study results

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal ranibizumab in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

SETTING

Multicenter.

STUDY POPULATION

Total of 93 patients with treatment-naïve PCV.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomized to 2 arms. Patients in the PDT arm underwent a single session of PDT with verteporfin, and patients in the ranibizumab arm received 3 monthly ranibizumab injections at baseline. Additional treatment was performed as needed in each arm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measurement was the proportion of patients gaining or losing more than 0.2 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) units from baseline. Mean change of logMAR and central retinal thickness (CRT) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In the PDT arm (n = 47), 17.0% achieved visual acuity gain, 55.3% had no change, and 27.7% experienced visual acuity loss. The results were 30.4%, 60.9%, and 8.7%, respectively, in the ranibizumab arm (n = 46), significantly better than the PDT arm (P = .039). In the PDT arm, mean CRT improved (366.8 ± 113.6 μm to 289.1 ± 202.3 μm, P < .001), but logMAR was unchanged (0.57 ± 0.31 to 0.62 ± 0.40). The ranibizumab arm demonstrated improvement in both CRT (418.9 ± 168.6 μm to 311.2 ± 146.9 μm, P < .001) and logMAR (0.48 ± 0.27 to 0.39 ± 0.26, P = .003). Mean change of logMAR was also greater in the ranibizumab arm (P = .011).

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab is more effective than PDT for treatment-naïve PCV.

Choroidal thickness changes after intravitreal ranibizumab and photodynamic therapy in recurrent polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate subfoveal choroidal thickness changes in cases with recurrent polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) after combination therapy with intravitreal ranibizumab and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series study.

METHODS

We measured subfoveal choroidal thickness in PCV using optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after PDT. In recurrent cases, the choroidal thickness was measured at the time of the recurrence. In nonrecurrent cases, choroidal thickness was measured 1 year after PDT.

RESULTS

Combination therapy was performed in 27 eyes (27 patients). Polypoidal lesions regressed within 3 months after initial treatment in all eyes. Retreatment was needed in 10 of 27 eyes (37.0%) after more than 3 months of follow-up. In recurrent cases, subfoveal choroid decreased from 188 μm at baseline to 157 μm 3 months after PDT (P < .01); however, choroidal thickness increased to 179 μm with recurrence (P = .54 compared to baseline; average, 8.0 months). In nonrecurrent cases, subfoveal choroid decreased from 257 μm at baseline to 210 μm 3 months after PDT and 212 μm 1 year after PDT (P < .01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Subfoveal choroidal thickness in PCV at the time of recurrence returned to the baseline level after choroidal thinning as a result of PDT treatment. Choroidal thickness changes after PDT examined using OCT may reflect disease activity in PCV.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy in the treatment of submacular hemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections on submacular hemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

METHODS

Twenty-seven eyes from 27 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy patients with submacular hemorrhage involving the fovea were included in the analyses. All patients were treated by anti-VEGF injection with an initial 3 loading injections by month, followed by an as-needed reinjection. Visual acuity, central macular thickness, submacular hemorrhage size, and the occurrence of vitreous hemorrhage were examined during a 12-month follow-up period.

RESULTS

The mean number of injections administered over the course of 12 months was 3.59 ± 1.04. The size of submacular hemorrhages averaged 18.2 ± 13.8 mm². The mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity at baseline was 1.02 ± 0.51 (Snellen equivalent, 20/204) and improved significantly to 0.76 ± 0.48 (Snellen equivalent, 20/115) at 12 months (P = .02). Mean central macular thickness decreased from 311.7 ± 124.5 μm at baseline to 246.8 ± 102.8 μm at 12 months (P = .01). At 12 months, visual acuity improved by 0.3 logMAR or more in 10 eyes (37%), stabilized (change between 0 and 0.3 logMAR) in 11 eyes (40.7%), and decreased by 0.3 logMAR or more in 6 eyes (22.2%). Three eyes (11.1%) were subjected to vitrectomy to clear a vitreous hemorrhage that occurred after anti-VEGF therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal anti-VEGF injection monotherapy may be a valuable therapeutic option in treating eyes with submacular hemorrhage associated with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

Two-year results of photodynamic therapy with or without intravitreal ranibizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To compare the 2-year outcomes of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with or without intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

Medical charts from 58 patients with PCV, who had been followed up for more than 2 years after initial treatment, were reviewed retrospectively. Visual outcomes were compared between 2 groups, consisting of 34 patients treated with PDT monotherapy without IVR and 24 with the combination of PDT and IVR, and the factors associated with the 2-year visual outcomes were investigated using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the PDT monotherapy group, the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) of the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly at 12 months (P=0.026), but was not significantly different from the initial logMAR BCVA at 24 months (P=0.21). By contrast, the logMAR BCVA improved significantly at 12 months and was maintained throughout the second 12-month period (P<0.001 at all time points) in the combined PDT group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the initial BCVA (P<0.001), the greatest linear dimension of the initial PDT (P=0.006), and the combined PDT (P=0.039) were predictors of visual outcomes at 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined PDT with IVR is a better treatment modality compared with PDT monotherapy, and results in improvement of visual outcomes at 24 months after the initial treatment.

Comparisons of outcomes with different intervals between adjunctive ranibizumab and photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To determine the optimal time for administration of intravitreal ranibizumab injections before photodynamic therapy (PDT) as combined therapy to treat polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

DESIGN

Retrospective, comparative, interventional case series.

METHODS

The study included 99 eyes (98 patients) with treatment-naïve subfoveal PCV treated with an intravitreal ranibizumab injection followed by PDT. The combination therapy included 1 ranibizumab injection administered 7 days before PDT (7-day group) or 2 days before PDT (2-day group). All eyes were followed for over 12 months.

RESULTS

Intravitreal ranibizumab was administered 7 days before PDT in 59 eyes and 2 days before PDT in 40 eyes. In the 7-day group, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) did not improve significantly at 3 months (P = .086) or 12 months (P = .259) compared with baseline. In the 2-day group, BCVA improved significantly at 3 months (P < .001) and 12 months (P < .001). The polypoidal lesions regressed completely in 46 eyes (78.0%) in the 7-day group and in 34 eyes (85.0%) in the 2-day group; 38 eyes (64.4%) and 35 eyes (87.5%), respectively, did not require additional treatment, which differed significantly (P = .008) between the 2 groups. Subretinal hemorrhages did not develop in either group within 1 month after the combined therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of an intravitreal ranibizumab injection 2 days before PDT achieves significantly better visual outcomes and requires fewer additional treatments compared with administration of the injection 7 days before PDT.

Five-year follow-up results of photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 5-year efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

Forty-two eyes of 36 patients with PCV followed up for at least 60 months after PDT were reviewed. All eyes were primarily treated with PDT. Main outcome measure was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logMAR [logarithm of minimal angle of resolution]) at baseline and at each follow-up visit. We also classified the eyes into 3 groups: improved (improvement ≥0.3 logMAR), decreased (deterioration ≥0.3 logMAR), and stable.

RESULTS

During the mean follow-up duration, 73.64 ± 13.47 months, the mean number of PDT was 2.21 ± 1.62 treatments. Recurrence was noted in 33 eyes (78.6%) during follow-up. The mean baseline BCVA was 0.78 ± 0.48 logMAR (20/120 Snellen equivalent), and the final BCVA at 60 months was 0.67 ± 0.52 logMAR (20/93 Snellen equivalent) (P = .050, paired t test). On the final evaluation at 60 months, the mean BCVA was improved in 14 eyes (33.3%), stable in 23 eyes (54.8%), and decreased in 5 eyes (11.9%).

CONCLUSION

At 60 months after initial PDT, 88.1% of PCV patients showed stable or improved BCVA after PDT. Despite a high recurrence rate, PDT remained effective for 5 years, and represents a good therapeutic approach to PCV.

Argon laser with and without anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for extrafoveal polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of eyes with extrafoveal polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) treated with argon laser.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort, noninterventional study.

METHODS

A prospective study of Asian patients with extrafoveal PCV, confirmed on indocyanine green angiography and treated with argon laser with and without anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Patients were followed-up over 12 months with visual, angiographic, and structural outcomes recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 93 eyes with PCV at baseline, 33 eyes (35.5%) in 31 patients had extrafoveal involvement and were treated with argon laser. Foveal involvement with fluid or blood at baseline was apparent in 23 eyes (69.7%), despite the extrafoveal location of 1 or more polyps. Of these 33 eyes, 12 (36.4%) also received anti-VEGF injections (median, 2.5 injections) over the 12-month period. Two eyes received photodynamic therapy rescue during subsequent follow-up and were excluded for visual outcome analysis. In the remaining 31 eyes, mean visual acuity improved from 0.57 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) units (range, 0.00 to 2.0 logMAR; standard deviation, 0.51 logMAR) at baseline to 0.39 logMAR (range, 0.00 to 2.0 logMAR; standard deviation, 0.43 logMAR) at month 12 (P = .01), with a mean gain in visual acuity of 9.0 letters at month 12. Stable or improved vision (defined as losing 5 letters or fewer) was achieved in 28 eyes (90.3%). Use of anti-VEGF was associated with significantly thicker central subfield at baseline (347.6 vs 258.1 μm; P = .02) and resulted in similar vision and OCT results at month 3 and 12 compared with eyes that did not receive anti-VEGF.

CONCLUSIONS

Argon laser treatment with selected use of anti-VEGF therapy achieves stable or improved visual outcome in most eyes with extrafoveal PCV, including eyes with fluid or blood affecting the fovea at presentation.

Two-year results of reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To report the results of a 2-year follow-up study of Japanese polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients treated with reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) monotherapy.

DESIGN

Prospective interventional case series.

METHODS

In the present study, 38 eyes of 38 consecutive patients underwent PDT with a reduced laser fluence of 25 J/cm(2). During the 2-year follow-up, visual acuity (VA) and optical coherence tomography measurements were performed every 3 months after the PDT procedure and then compared with baseline values. PCV vascular lesions were evaluated by indocyanine green and fluorescein angiography.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected VA (BCVA) was 0.43. There was a significant improvement of the mean logMAR BCVA to 0.28 and 0.29 at 12 and 24 months, respectively (P < .0001, P = .001). The logMAR BCVA was stable or improved by ≥0.3 in 36 (95%) of the eyes at the 2-year follow-up. In 13 eyes in which the baseline VA was better than 20/40, there was a significant improvement of the mean logMAR BCVA at 12 months, with the acuities continuing to be stable at 24 months. The mean number of treatment sessions during the 24-month study period was 1.9.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced-fluence PDT monotherapy for PCV effectively improved and maintained the VA over a 24-month period, even in eyes with a baseline VA better than 20/40. In addition, the number of treatments could be much smaller as compared with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents.

Photodynamic therapy with or without intravitreal bevacizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: two years of follow-up

PURPOSE

To compare the long-term results of the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with or without intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

DESIGN

Retrospective, comparative, interventional case series.

METHODS

We included 69 eyes of 69 patients with macula-involved polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. All patients were followed up for more than 2 years. We compared the treatment outcomes between groups and investigated the factors influencing visual improvement at 24 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients received PDT combined with IVB and 33 patients received PDT monotherapy. At 3 months, the mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.73 to 0.53 in the combined therapy group (P < .001) and from 0.79 to 0.72 in the PDT monotherapy group (P = .02), with a significant difference in treatment efficacy between the 2 groups (P < .001). However, the improvements in BCVA were not statistically significant after 21 months in the combined therapy group and 15 months in the monotherapy group. The difference in treatment efficacy between the 2 groups was not significant after 6 months. Initial BCVA (P = .005), lesion size (P = .011), patient age (P = .018), and location of polyps (P = .006) significantly predicted the final visual outcome rather than treatment modality (P = .243).

CONCLUSIONS

PDT combined with IVB for symptomatic PCV was temporarily superior to PDT monotherapy, and the treatment efficacy decreased with time. Initial BCVA, lesion size, and location were more significant than treatment modality as the factors influencing final visual improvement.

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal ranibizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy controversy concerning long-term followup

Purpose. To show the long-term results of intravitreal ranibizumab combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods. We analyzed the progress of two patients for 36 and 58 months, respectively. We only used PDT for the treatment in the area of the active PCV or "hot spot" evident on the indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). The spot size was chosen so as to cover only the active neovascular lesion. We combined intravitreal ranibizumab with PDT when PCV remained active without visible polyps in ICGA or without a response to PDT. Conclusion. Administration, as required, of verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal ranibizumab is an effective treatment for symptomatic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. These data need to be confirmed in large, prospective, and controlled clinical trials which are randomized and carried out over a long period.

Two-year outcome of photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and triamcinolone acetonide for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To compare the 2-year results after photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone and PDT combined with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and triamcinolone acetonide (triple therapy) for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 40 consecutive patients (40 eyes) with subfoveal PCV. Of these 40 eyes, 16 were treated with PDT alone and 24 were treated with triple therapy.

RESULTS

The change in visual acuity in the triple therapy group was significantly better than that in the PDT group (P < 0.001). At 24 months, improvement in visual acuity was seen in only two eyes (12.5 %) of the PDT group, while it was seen in ten eyes (41.7 %) of the triple therapy group. Retreatment was given to 12 eyes (75.0 %) in the PDT group and to nine eyes (37.5 %) in the triple therapy group, although the retreatment-free period was significantly longer in the triple therapy group than in the PDT group (P < 0.001). Post-treatment vitreous hemorrhage was seen in only two eyes (12.5 %), all of which were in the PDT group.

CONCLUSION

Compared with PDT alone, triple therapy appears to reduce the postoperative hemorrhagic complications and recurrences of PCV and to improve the 2-year visual outcomes of PCV.