Rumana N Hussain1, Fidan Jmor2, Bertil Damato3, Heinrich Heimann2. 1. Liverpool Ocular Oncology Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK. Electronic address: Rumana.hussain@rlbuht.nhs.uk. 2. Liverpool Ocular Oncology Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK. 3. Ocular Oncology Service, Departments of Ophthalmology and Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Choroidal haemangiomas associated with Sturge Weber syndrome most commonly affect the posterior pole and consequently result in amblyopia. Treatment is often challenging but usually unwarranted unless there is visual deterioration caused by exudative or neovascular complications. The main objective is to demonstrate the effectivity of photodynamic therapy in this context. DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data regarding verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of patients with choroidal haemangiomas associated with Sturge Weber syndrome. RESULTS: Six patients (4 male, 2 female) with a median age of 28 years (range, 23-67) had a mean tumour belly diameter of 12.2mm (range, 9-16.8). There was regression of the tumour in all cases, albeit after 3 treatments in a single case. The exudative retinal detachment resolved in 2 out of 3 patients. Visual outcome improved in 3 patients, remaining poor but stable in the other three, due to pre-existing amblyopia. CONCLUSIONS: PDT is an effective and safe treatment for patients with choroidal haemangioma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome.
PURPOSE:Choroidal haemangiomas associated with Sturge Weber syndrome most commonly affect the posterior pole and consequently result in amblyopia. Treatment is often challenging but usually unwarranted unless there is visual deterioration caused by exudative or neovascular complications. The main objective is to demonstrate the effectivity of photodynamic therapy in this context. DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data regarding verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of patients with choroidal haemangiomas associated with Sturge Weber syndrome. RESULTS: Six patients (4 male, 2 female) with a median age of 28 years (range, 23-67) had a mean tumour belly diameter of 12.2mm (range, 9-16.8). There was regression of the tumour in all cases, albeit after 3 treatments in a single case. The exudative retinal detachment resolved in 2 out of 3 patients. Visual outcome improved in 3 patients, remaining poor but stable in the other three, due to pre-existing amblyopia. CONCLUSIONS: PDT is an effective and safe treatment for patients with choroidal haemangioma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome.