Photodynamic therapy outcomes in a case of macular choroidal neovascularization secondary to Candida endophthalmitis

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan-Feb;17(1):124-7. doi: 10.1177/112067210701700118.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects on visual function and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) progression in a case of subretinal CNV due to Candida endophthalmitis treated with a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and drugs.

Methods: A 28-year-old one-eyed woman with CNV in the right eye came to our observation. The CNV developed as a consequence of Candida endophthalmitis. The CNV was treated with six PDT treatments with verteporfin in association with systemic steroid therapy with prednisone (100 mg/day to reduce) and fluconazole (800 mg/day to reduce). Visual acuity (VA) was assessed in pre-PDT conditions and after six PDT treatments (24 months of follow-up).

Results: Pre-PDT VA was 20/125; after 24 months of follow-up, six PDT re-treatments, and pharmacologic therapy, VA was stabilized at 20/100.

Conclusions: In our case, associated PDT and drug therapies were safe and useful to maintain VA and to arrest CNV progression in the foveal region after 2 years of follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Candidiasis / complications
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / drug therapy*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Endophthalmitis / complications
  • Endophthalmitis / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Fluconazole / therapeutic use
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fungemia / complications
  • Fungemia / drug therapy*
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Porphyrins / therapeutic use
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Retinal Detachment
  • Verteporfin
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Porphyrins
  • Verteporfin
  • Fluconazole
  • Prednisone