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Neovascular ingrowth site photothrombosis in choroidal neovascularization associated with retinal pigment epithelial detachment

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Abstract

Purpose

To describe the clinical, angiographic and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) who were treated by neovascular ingrowth site photothrombosis.

Methods

Interventional case reports. After identification of the CNV feeder vessels, two patients had focal photothrombosis of the neovascular ingrowth site using continuous 810-nm laser application after intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) injection and were prospectively followed with fluorescein and ICG angiography as well as OCT.

Results

Both patients presented an increase of 3 or more ETDRS lines in visual acuity by 12 months of follow-up. Fluorescein and ICG angiography demonstrated reduced lesion perfusion and regression of the PEDs; accordingly, OCT disclosed decrease in retinal thickness and elevation caused by rapid fluid resolution. There were no significant complications related to the procedure.

Conclusion

Photothrombosis using 810-nm light to direct laser energy continuously at the neovascular ingrowth site after intravenous ICG infusion is effective in restoring macular architecture and improving vision in patients with CNV complicated by PEDs by means of substantial decrease in the lesion perfusion and resolution of exudative manifestations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rua Itália 1905, apto 74, Araraquara, SP 14801-350, Brazil

    Rogério A. Costa

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto da Visão—IPEPO, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Rogério A. Costa, Karolinne M. Rocha, Daniela Calucci, José A. Cardillo & Michel E. Farah

Authors
  1. Rogério A. Costa
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  2. Karolinne M. Rocha
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  3. Daniela Calucci
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  4. José A. Cardillo
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  5. Michel E. Farah
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rogério A. Costa.

Additional information

Drs. Costa, Cardillo, and Farah are consultants to Akorn, Inc., a United States manufacturer of indocyanine green. No of financial support was provided for the work described herein since the consulting agreement commenced thereafter

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Costa, R.A., Rocha, K.M., Calucci, D. et al. Neovascular ingrowth site photothrombosis in choroidal neovascularization associated with retinal pigment epithelial detachment. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 241, 245–250 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-003-0627-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-003-0627-7

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