Reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy combined with ranibizumab for nonproliferative macular telangiectasia type 2

Ophthalmologica. 2013;229(4):195-202. doi: 10.1159/000350033. Epub 2013 Apr 3.

Abstract

Purpose: To report the efficacy of reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of nonproliferative macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2.

Methods: Noncomparative, interventional, retrospective case series; 5 eyes of 4 patients were studied. Patients were treated with reduced-fluence PDT and intravitreal ranibizumab within 24 h. After initial treatment, follow-up was at least 12 months in all patients.

Results: At baseline median logMAR (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.0 (range, 1.0-0.3). At 3 months of follow-up vision increased in 3 out of 5 eyes and median BCVA was 0.4 (range, 1.0-0.2). The gain of BCVA ranged from 6 lines to 1 line. Visual acuity remained stable in the other 2 study eyes. No eyes lost vision at 3 months of follow-up. At 12 months of follow-up median logMAR BCVA was 0.7 (range, 1.3-0.3). Two eyes had maintained their gain in BCVA compared to baseline. Two eyes lost vision compared to baseline and 1 eye showed unchanged visual acuity at 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusion: A combination therapy with reduced-fluence PDT and intravitreal ranibizumab might be a valuable treatment option for eyes with progressive vision loss due to nonproliferative MacTel type 2.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Macula Lutea / blood supply*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ranibizumab
  • Retinal Telangiectasis / diagnosis
  • Retinal Telangiectasis / drug therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Ranibizumab