Treatments of Stage 1 Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of single or combined treatment methods administered to patients with stage 1 retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). METHODS: A retrospective clinical study was performed in 9 eyes of 8 patients with stage I RAP. According to fundus angiography findings taken regularly after treatment, the results were categorized as closure of stage 1, recurrence of stage 1, or progress to stage 2. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 25 (14~40) months. In two eyes treated with laser photocoagulation only, the lesions progressed to stage 2. In two eyes treated with laser photocoagulation and intravitreal triamcinolone injection, the lesions also progressed to stage 2. In four eyes treated with photodynamic therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone injection, stage 1 lesions recurred in 3 eyes, and the lesion progressed to stage 2 in one eye. In one eye treated with photodynamic therapy, intravitreal triamcinolone injection, and laser photocoagulation, the stage 1 lesion recurred. Final visual acuity was stable in the case of stage 1 recurrence but was lower than the pretreatment level when the lesion progressed to stage 2. CONCLUSIONS: With either single or combined therapy, temporary closure of the stage 1 RAP lesion was possible, but complete closure could not be achieved for a long period because the lesion either recurred or progressed.