Abstract

Aim: To investigate the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in patients with choroidal haemangioma.

Methods: A non-randomised, prospective clinical investigation of 19 patients with symptomatic circumscribed choroidal haemangioma was performed. Unsuccessful pretreatment (external beam irradiation, laser photocoagulation) was performed in four patients. Patients were included when (1) subretinal exudation involving the fovea, (2) a decrease in visual function, and (3) additional symptoms (for example, metamorphopsia) were present. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was performed with verteporfin at a concentration of 6 mg/m² body surface area and a light dose of 100 J/cm² at 692 nm.

Results: The mean follow up time was 10.6 months (2–24 months). The mean number of treatment sessions was 2.15 (range 1–5). Visual acuity improved by at least one line in 73.3%, by at least two lines in 42.1%, was stable in 21.1%, and decreased by one line in 5.2% of the patients. Exudation was completely resolved in 94.8% of the cases. Regression of tumour height was documented in all 19 tumours. Patients receiving any pretreatment before PDT, a visual acuity of 0.1 and less, a history of more than 30 months, and no significant response after the first PDT session, did not show any significant improvement. Cox regression analysis revealed that the number of PDT treatment sessions was inversely associated with the improvement in visual acuity of at least two lines. No recurrences and no local or systemic side effects were observed during the follow up time.

Conclusion: PDT using verteporfin is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of symptomatic choroidal haemangioma even in tumours located beneath the fovea.