Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome

PURPOSE: To assess the role of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 9-year-old patient with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization received a single photodynamic therapy with verteporfin session (one eye) and was prospectively followed with fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: A complete regression of the lesion was achieved within I week after treatment. Visual acuity improved from 20/800 to 20/320 by 6 months of follow, up. Fluorescein angiography disclosed unexpected retinal pigment epithelium alteration within the treatment area. CONCLUSION: Although regression of the choroidal neovascularization occurred, unpredicted findings involving normal retina in the vicinity of the lesion suggest that further studies are required to assess the clinical value of this treatment for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. (C) 2002 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.