Adverse reaction characterized by chest pain, shortness of breath, and syncope associated with verteporfin (visudyne).

PURPOSE: To report a serious adverse reaction associated with verteporfin infusion. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: Case report of a single individual undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin. RESULTS: A 77-year-old man with long-standing asymptomatic atrial fibrillation, but no known coronary artery disease experienced severe chest and neck pain, shortness of breath, and syncope while undergoing a fourth photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment with verteporfin. This infusion had been preceded by three prior infusions; the first two were uneventful, and the third was associated with milder, but similar symptoms. Evaluation demonstrated that the chest pain was noncardiac in origin. CONCLUSION: As verteporfin continues to be used around the world, physicians must be alert to the possibility of serious adverse side effects associated with its use.

Duke Scholars

Author Sharon Fekrat Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery