ObjectiveTo compare the visual outcomes of treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab alone or in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). MethodsIn this retrospective and comparative study, 36 eyes of 36 patients with PCV were enrolled. Eighteen eyes received 0.5 mg (0.05 ml) ranibizumab injection only (simple injection group) and the other 18 eyes underwent combination therapy of ranibizumab injection and PDT (combination treatment group). Intravitreal ranibizumab was given at the third day after PDT. Re-treatment was considered in clinic examination. The minimum re-treatment interval was 3 months for combination therapy and 1 month for ranibizumab. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline and each follow-up visit at 1, 3, 6, 12 month was measured as a primary outcome, and complications also observed in every follow-up. ResultsNo complications occurred in these 36 patients during the treatment or follow-up, such as retinal detachment, sustained high intraocular pressure, retinal holes, intraocular inflammation, and systemic adverse reactions. The average times of ranibizumab injections of simple injection group and combined treatment group were (3.00±0.84) and (1.89±0.68) times respective, and the difference was significant (t=4.370, P=0.000). The logMAR BCVA of the first and third month after initial treatment between two groups were significant different (t=0.668, 0.940; P>0.05). However, there was no significant difference between them at the 6th and 12th month (t=2.188, 2.547; P<0.05). In the last follow-up, the logMAR BCVA were improved in simple injection group and combination treatment group compared to the pre-treatment values (t=3.351, 9.408; P=0.012, 0.000). In simple injection group, visual acuity was improved in 3 eyes (16.7%), stable in 13 eyes (72.2%) and decreased in 2 eyes (11.1%). In combination treatment group, visual acuity was improved in 4 eyes (22.2%), stable in 13 eyes (72.2%) and decreased in 1 eyes (5.6%). ConclusionsIntravitreal ranibizumab injection and combined with PDT are both effective to improve vision in patients with PCV. Visual acuity was the same between the two treatments in 3 months after initial treatment; however 6 to 12 months after first treatment, patients received PDT combined with intravitreal ranibizumab injection had better visual acuity than those received the intravitreal ranibizumab injection only.
ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone or in combined with ranibizumab versus ranibizumab monotherapy (intravitreal injection, IVR) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods80 eyes of 72 patients with PCV were enrolled into this retrospective and comparative study according to their therapeutic plan. 30 eyes of 28 patients, 28 eyes of 30 patients and 22 eyes of 21 patients were divided into PDT group, ranibizumab 0.5 mg group (IVR group) or the combination group, respectively. The patients with PCV were diagnosed according to clinical symptoms, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescent indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). The baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before treatment was more than 0.05, and there was no retinal fibrosis and scar for all patients. There was no statistical difference of age (F=0.187), gender (χ2=0.423), average BCVA (F=1.120) and central retinal thickness (CRT) (F=0.431) among three groups (P > 0.05). They had not received any treatment before. Patients received verteporfin PDT in PDT group, 3 consecutive monthly IVRs starting day 1 in IVR group, and 3 IVRs after 3 days, 1 month, 2 months of PDT starting day 1 in combination group. Re-treatment was considered 3 months later if the follow up shown no changes in fundus photography, OCT and ICGA. The average follow-up time was 19 months. BCVA at baseline and follow-up visit at 1, 3, 6, 12 months was measured, and the proportion of patients with ICGA-assessed complete regression of polyps at month 6 was recorded as primary outcome. The CRT was measured at baseline and 6 months as secondary outcome. ResultsThere were significant difference of BCVA at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months among three groups(F=5.480, 5.249, 3.222, 4.711; P < 0.05). The average BCVA was significantly better at 1, 3, 6, 12 month than that at baseline(t=-6.632, -4.127, -3.904, -4.494; P < 0.05) in combination group, and was significantly better at 3, 6, 12 months than that at baseline (t=-5.636, -3.039, -3.833; P < 0.05) in IVR group. However there was no significant difference of the average BCVA in PDT group between follow-up at 1, 3, 6, l 2 months and baseline (t=1.973, 0.102, -0.100, -0.761; P > 0.05). The proportion of patients with complete regression of polyps at 6 months was higher in PDT (76.7%) or combination group (68.2%) than IVR group (35.7%) (χ2=0.003, 0.025; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of CRT among 3 groups at baseline (P=0.651). The mean CRT decreased in all 3 treatment groups over 6 months (t=5.120, 3.635, 5.253; P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference of CRT among 3 groups (F=1.293, P > 0.05). ConclusionsThree therapies could effectively decrease CRT. IVR or IVR combined with PDT are both more effective than PDT therapy to improve vision of PCV patients. PDT or PDT combined with IVR was superior to IVR pnly in achieving complete regression of polyps in 6 months in PCV patients.
Choroidal nevus is one of the most common benign melanocytic tumor. The prevalence rate of choroidal nevi is 0.15% - 10.00%, which is high among whites and low among colored people, and is obvious higher in male than that in female. Secondary changes in the surrounding retina of the benign tumor, such as subretinal fluid and choroidal neovascularization, may result in vision loss. This benign tumor carries risks for transformation into malignant melanoma. The factors predictive of transformation into melanoma included greater thickness, subretinal fluid, visual symptoms, orange lipofuscin pigment, tumor location (tumor margin near optic disc), ultrasonography hollowness and absence of halo. Early identification of the related features which impair visual acuity is important for early treatment and better prognosis, and it is especially important to monitor the tendency of malignant transformation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) could provide detailed information which aid in diagnosing, differentiating and monitoring of choroidal nevi. OCT and optical coherence tomography angiography are emerging as excellent techniques to investigate choroidal melanocytic lesions. The treatment modalities, such as laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelium growth factor, have been proved to be effective for choroidal nevi with secondary changes. In the future, the relevant researches should be imposed to provide more detailed information in order to explore the nature and characteristics of this disease.
ObjectiveTo further compare the effect of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathologic myopia by meta-analysis. MethodsPertinent publications were identified through systemic searches of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrance Controlled Trials Register. All clinical comparative studies of IVB or PDT as initial treatment for CNV secondary to pathologic myopia were included. Meta analysis of these clinical trials was performed to analyze the effect of IVB and PDT for CNV secondary to pathologic myopia. Measurements included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT). ResultsA total of 6 comparative studies involving 351 eyes were included. There were 196 eyes in IVB group and 215 eyes in PDT group. Funnel plots, Egger linear regression and Begg method did not show publication bias. Compared with PDT group, at 3, 6 and 12 months after IVB treatment, BCVA significantly increased . However, change of CFT at 3, 6 and 12 months did not vary significantly between IVB group and PDT group (3 months: WMD=-22.49, 95% CI=-93.49 to 48.52, P=0.53; 6 months: WMD=-17.34, 95% CI=-56.00 to 21.31, P=0.38; 12 months: WMD=-5.32, 95% CI=-56.37 to 45.74, P=0.84). ConclusionPatients with CNV secondary to pathologic myopia experienced a significant benefit of visual improvement after IVB, but reduction in CFT after the IVB or PDT did not vary significantly.
The pathogenesis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is still controversial. More evidence of clinical and basic research is needed to distinguish PCV from an independent disease to a subtype of age-related macular degeneration. Not only that, there are also many puzzles in the diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis of PCV. In addition to these common problems, we also face a large population with risk factors, a large number of PCV patients with multiple and complex challenges in China. There is a long way to go to reduce the damage effects of PCV on visual function. To fulfil this goal, we need make full use of the huge resources of PCV patients and turn these challenges into opportunities, and contribute the improvement of diagnosis and better understanding of PCV pathogenesis.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of intravitreal injection of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), ranibizumab and C3F8 in the treatment of early submacular hemorrhage (SMH) induce to polypoid choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsThe clinical data of 20 eyes of 20 patients with early SMH induce to PCV were enrolled in this study. The duration of bleeding in the eye was 7 to 28 days, and the mean duration of bleeding was 14.8±5.6 days. All eyes are measured using the Snellen chart best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) was used to calculate visual acuity. Measure central retinal thickness (CRT) and central retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) thickness using frequency-domain optical coherence tomography. The average logMAR BCVA of eyes was 1.73±0.91; the mean CRT was 620.0±275.8 μm; the average central PED thickness was 720.3±261.9 μm. All eyes receive intravitreal injection of t-PA, ranibizumab and C3F8. The intravitreal injection of ranibizumab was administered once a month for 3 consecutive months, followed by an on-demand treatment plan. Mean follow-up time was 9.9±3.6 months. The changes in BCVA, CRT, central PED thickness and clearance degree of SMH at 6 months after treatment were observed.ResultsOn the 6 months after treatment, the average logMAR BCVA, CRT and central PED thickness of the eyes were respectively 0.42±0.37, 290.2±97.4 μm and 41.6±78.1 μm. Compared with baseline, the after treatment BCVA was significantly increased (F=38.14, P=0.000), but the CRT and central PED were significantly decreased (F=7.48, 75.94; P=0.000, 0.000). Among the 20 eyes, 16 eyes of SMH was completely cleared, accounting for 80%;4 eyes was partially cleared, accounting for 20%. No recurrence and systemic or local complications occurred during follow-up of all eyes.ConclusionIntravitreal injection of t-PA, ranibizumab, and C3F8 in the treatment of early SMH induce to PCV can effectively remove SMH, improve vision, reduce CRT and central thickness of PED.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the 3-year efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). MethodsThis is a retrospective, uncontrolled case series study. Thirty-two eyes of 29 patients with PCV were enrolled. All patients were primarily treated with the first conventional PDT. For the eye with active polypoida, residual or exudative lesions in 6 month after PDT, PDT combined with intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)or simple vitreous injection of anti VEGF therapy were used. All the patients were followed up for at least 3 years with the mean follow-up duration of 43.64±10.84 months. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after the primary PDT, PCV recurrence rates and number of treatments were followed and analyzed. The BCVA was converted into a logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analysis. ResultsDuring the 1, 3, 6, 12 months after the primary PDT, the mean BCVA were all improved with statistically significant difference(t=2.27, 4.57, 3.77, 2.37; P<0.05). During the 24 and 36 months after PDT, the mean BCVA was decreased without statistically significant difference(t=-1.29, -0.81; P>0.05). On the final evaluation at 36 months, the mean BCVA was improved in 6 eyes(18.75%), stable in 14 eyes(43.75%), and decreased in 12 eyes(37.50%). During the follow-up time, recurrence of PCV in 24 eyes (75.00%), no recurrence in 8 eyes (25.00%). There was 1 recurrence in 12 eyes (50.00%), 2 recurrences in 9 eyes (37.50%), 3 recurrences in 3 eyes (12.50%). Initial recurrences were noted in 4 eyes (16.67%) within 12 months of baseline PDT treatment; in 11 eyes (45.83%) between 13 and 24 months; in 9 eyes (37.50%) between 25 and 36 months. The mean number of PDT and anti-VEGF was 1.86±1.04 and 4.95±3.92 in all patients, respectively. ConclusionThe 3-year efficacy of PDT in patients with PCV was poor with low improvement of visual acuity and high recurrence rate of PCV.
ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy and safety of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intravitreal ranibizumab injection in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). MethodsTwenty-four PCV patients (24 eyes) were enrolled in this retrospective case study.All patients were assessed by the examinations of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity chart, color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and optic coherence tomography (OCT). The mean visual acuity was (33.41±19.43) letters; the mean macular retinal thickness was (343.63±88.60) μm. Patients received PDT first, and intravitreal injected ranibizumab 0.5 mg (0.05 ml) 72 hours later. Treatments were repeated as a single intravitreal injection of ranibizumab combined with or without PDT if the monthly follow-up indicated that it was necessary. The average follow-up period was 13.1 months. The average treatment times were analyzed for each eye. Systemic and ocular adverse events were observed. Visual acuity, macular retinal thickness and leakage of PCV before and after the treatment were analyzed. ResultsIntravitreal ranibizumab injections was repeated (2.8±1.6) times per eye on average, and intravitreal injection of ranibizumab combined with PDT was repeated (0.4±0.5) times per eye on average. No systemic and ocular adverse effects were found during and after combined therapy. In the last follow-up, the mean visual acuity of ETDRS was (44.21±17.24) letters, improved by 10.8 letters (t=-4.77, P<0.01).Visual acuity was improved in 11 eyes (45.8%) and stable in 13 eyes (54.2%). FFA and ICGA showed complete closed PCV in 17 eyes (70.8%), partial closed PCV in 7 eyes (29.2%). OCT image showed that the retinal edema was disappeared in 19 eyes (79.2%) and alleviated in 5 eyes (20.8%). The mean macular retinal thickness was (171.33±38.06) μm, which was 172.30 μm less than that of pre-treatment values (t=11.96, P<0.05). ConclusionPhotodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal ranibizumab injections for PCV is safe and effective, with visual acuity improvement, reduction of retinal edema and PCV leakage.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and its correlation with the visual acuity after photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal ranibizumab. MethodsTwenty-six eyes of 26 patients with PCV diagnosed by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were enrolled in this study. All the patients were examined for best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp microscope, SD-OCT, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and ICGA before and 1, 3 months after treatment. The mean baseline BCVA was (31.46±16.87) letters, mean central retinal thickness (CRT) was (581.19±309.05) μm, and mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was (248.92±95.45) μm. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the final visual improvement after 6 month of treatment: GR or sensitive Group (17 eyes) and PR or non-sensitive Group (9 eyes). GR group included 12 males and 5 females, with a mean age of (65.24±7.03) years, a mean CRT of (619.06±335.07) μm and a mean SFCT of (271.24±106.61) μm. There were 4 eyes with subretinal hemorrhage (SRH), 2 eyes with interface retinal fluid (IRF), 13 eyes with subretinal fluids (SRF) and 15 eyes with pigment epithelial detachment (PED). PR group included 8 males and 1female, with a mean age of (64.00±7.02) years, a mean CRT of (509.67±255.21) μm and a mean SFCT of (271.24±106.61) μm. There were 6 eyes with subretinal hemorrhage (SRH), 5 eyes with interface retinal fluid (IRF), 6 eyes with subretinal fluids (SRF) and 8 eyes with pigment epithelial detachment (PED). The difference of sex, age, CRT and SFCT between these two groups was not significant (P>0.05). The relationship of baseline SD-OCT and post-treatment BCVA was analyzed. ResultsOn 1, 2, 3, 6 months after treatment, the BCVA were (38.46±19.81), (40.04±20.80), (42.96±21.63), (43.77±20.91) letters respectively. On 6 months after treatment, the mean CRT in GR and PR group were (360.71±276.54), (341.44±193.68) μm respectively (P>0.05). 64.71% (11/17) eyes in GR group and 22.22% (2/9) eyes in PR group had a SFCT thicker than 263μm. The difference was statistical significant between two groups [odds ratio (OR):0.052, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.005-0.533; P=0.013]. Logistic regression analysis showed that existence of IRF (OR=9.375, 95% CI: 1.299-67.645; P=0.026) or SRH (OR=6.500, 95% CI: 1.094-38.633; P=0.040) at baseline was negative prognostic factor to treatment. ConclusionThick SFCT is a protective factor, however, existence of IRF or SRH at baseline is negative prognostic factor of final visual improvement.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors in the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and to investigate the primary treatment tentatively. MethodsA systematic search of Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and the Wanfang Data was performed to identify all comparative studies that compared the outcomes of PDT alone, intravitreal VEGF inhibitors alone and combined intravitreal VEGF inhibitors and photodynamic therapy. Outcomes of interest included the regression and recurrence rate of polypoidal lesions, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), therapeutic times, and the occurrence rate of adverse events. 2 randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 19 non-RTCs were identified. According to treatment methods, the data extracted was classified to 3 groups, analyzed with odds ratio (OR), weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95%confidence interval (95%CI). ResultsMeta-analysis suggests that the regression rate of polypoidal lesions (OR=0.34, 0.07; 95%CI=0.13-0.88, 0.02-0.36) and BCVA (WMD=0.25, 0.11; 95%CI=0.14-0.36, 0.01-0.21) in combined therapy group were significantly better than those in PDT group and intravitreal VEGF inhibitors group (P < 0.05). The recurrence rate of polypoidal lesions in PDT group was significantly lower than intravitreal VEGF inhibitors group (OR=0.35, 95%CI=0.16-0.74, P=0.006). BCVA (P=0.025) and the occurrence rate of adverse events (OR=60.36, 95%CI=6.04-603.50, P=0.000 5) in intravitreal VEGF inhibitors group were significant better than PDT group. ConclusionsCombined treatment appeared to be superior to PDT alone or intravitreal VEGF inhibitors alone. Combined treatment takes priority over all others in the primary treatment of PCV.