Recurrent bleeding after photodynamic therapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Am J Ophthalmol. 2006 May;141(5):958-60. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2005.12.002.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of recurrent bleeding after photodynamic therapy (PDT) in an eye with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: A 73-year-old man was treated in the left eye for PCV with PDT.

Results: Two weeks after PDT, his left eye showed extensive subretinal hemorrhage, with a slight vision loss. Three months after PDT, subretinal hemorrhage was almost absorbed. He received a second session of PDT to the remaining choroidal neovascularization. Two weeks thereafter, his left eye showed massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage with further vision loss. One month after the second PDT, visual acuity was decreased to no light perception as a result of massive vitreous hemorrhage. Although the patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy, visual acuity in the left eye remained hand motion as a result of massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

Conclusions: Ophthalmologists and patients should be aware of the risk of massive bleeding after PDT in eyes with PCV.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Choroid / blood supply*
  • Choroid Diseases / complications
  • Choroid Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / drug therapy
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peripheral Vascular Diseases / complications*
  • Photochemotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Recurrence
  • Retinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Visual Acuity
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / etiology