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

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.