microRNA-144 functions as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for retinoblastoma

OBJECTIVES: Retinoblastoma (RB) is a highly malignant eye tumor with a low survival rate and a high metastatic rate. The current work was designed to investigate the potential roles of microRNA-144 (miR-144) in the diagnosis and prognosis of RB. METHODS: miR-144 expression levels in RB tissues and adjacent normal tissues, as well as serum samples from RB patients and healthy controls were measured. The association between miR-144 expression levels and clinical features were analyzed. Moreover, diagnostic and prognostic values of miR-144 in RB were verified by receiver operating characteristic analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival assays. RESULTS: The expression level of miR-144 was markedly decreased in tumor tissues of RB patients, and the expression level of miR-144 was positively associated with tumor size and metastasis in RB patients. Moreover, miR-144 can distinguish tumor tissues from normal tissues with high specificity and sensitivity, and RB patients with lower miR-144 expression have shorter overall and disease-free survival rates than those with higher miR-144 expression. Alternatively, miR-144 also decreased in the serum of RB patients in comparison with healthy subjects, and miR-144 expression levels in the tissue samples and serum were positively correlated. Furthermore, miR-144 levels in the serum of RB patients sensitively distinguished RB patients from healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: miR-144 expression was downregulated in serum and tissue samples of RB patients and may function as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for RB.

Retinoblastoma infantil, deteccion temprana de un caso inusual / Children's retinoblastoma early detection in an unusual case

El retinoblastoma es el cáncer de retina más frecuente en la infancia. Representa el 4% de los tumores en menores de 15 años. Su diagnóstico se realiza generalmente entre los 12 y 18 meses de vida, con buen pronóstico si no se ha diseminado. Objetivo: resaltar la importancia de la sospecha clínica para detección temprana de esta enfermedad. Caso clínico: paciente masculino de 4 meses de vida, procedente de Tegucigalpa, Honduras; con alteración en el reflejo pupilar del ojo izquierdo (leucocoria), acompañado de estrabismo divergente del mismo ojo. Fue evaluado por oftalmología y remitido al Hospital Escuela Universitario por sospecha de retinoblastoma de ojo izquierdo. Al examinar fondo de ojo se encontró lesión de 4 mm que ocupa 2/3 partes de la retina, por lo que se realizó tomografía axial computarizada cerebral y de órbita de ojo izquierdo, que reportó hipotrofia cortical frontotemporal bilateral y masa sólida calcificada que no se extiende fuera del globo ocular. Se indicó resonancia magnética nuclear de órbita, encontrándose masa hipodensa irregular en cámara posterior de ojo izquierdo. Posteriormente se realizó retino cámara, mostrando lesión que cubre casi totalidad de la retina. Con estos hallazgos el Servicio de Oftalmología Pediátrica, lo intervino quirúrgicamente realizando enucleación de ojo afectado; sin complicaciones, evolución satisfactoria y seguimiento en consulta externa de Hematoncológica Pediátrica. Conclusión: en este caso, la enfermedad se diagnosticó en etapa temprana, algo que generalmente no ocurre, logrando salvar la vida del paciente y evitó la diseminación a órganos adyacentes.

Systematic review of the current status of programs and general knowledge of diagnosis and management of retinoblastoma / Revisión sistemática del estado actual de los programas y conocimiento general de la diagnosis y manejo de retinoblastoma

Abstract: Background: This systematic review aims to report the current knowledge of retinoblastoma (Rb) and its implications in Mexico. We analyzed clinical and demographic data of patients with Rb at select hospitals with Rb programs or that treat and refer patients with Rb, and identified the gaps in practice. We propose solutions to improve diagnosis, provide adequate treatment, and improve patient uptake. Methods: A general review was conducted on PubMed of peer-reviewed literature on Rb in Mexico. Ophthalmology Department Heads or Directors of Rb programs at seven hospitals in Mexico were contacted for data available on their patients with Rb. Results: Five hospitals provided clinical data on 777 patients with Rb in a period spanning 2000-2015. Of the 122 patients with treatment, 83.4% underwent enucleation. From 33 to 45.3% of Rb tumors in Mexico reach an advanced intraocular stage of development. Knowledge of the disease is limited, despite the fact that the Mexican Retinoblastoma Group has elaborated Rb treatment guidelines and is developing a national Rb registry. Especially in the Southern states, prevalence and outcomes are comparable to African and Asian countries, and only few patients are referred to national treatment centers. Only three institutions have comprehensive Rb programs. Conclusions: There is an immediate need in Mexico to expand primary care providers' knowledge of Rb and to expand and upgrade current Rb programs to meet the needs of the population adequately. Diagnosis and care of Rb patients in Mexico can also be improved by the establishment of a national Rb registry and a national early detection program, and by increased use of the national treatment protocol.

Resumen: Introducción: Esta es una revisión sistemática de los conocimientos actuales del retinoblastoma (Rb) y sus implicaciones en los centros de referencia más importantes del país. Se presenta un análisis situacional de los programas de Rb en México, se identificaron las brechas en la práctica, y se proponen soluciones para mejorar el diagnóstico, tratamiento y referencia oportuna de pacientes. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión general de la literatura publicada sobre Rb en México a través de PubMed. Los datos sociodemográficos de pacientes con Rb fueron obtenidos a través de los directores de programas de retinoblastoma en siete hospitales. Resultados: Casi una tercera parte de los casos Rb se diagnostican en estadios avanzados. A pesar de la existencia del Grupo Mexicano de Retinoblastoma, el conocimiento de esta patología entre los médicos es limitado. Las diferencias en el tratamiento son notorias en el sur del país, donde la prevalencia y los resultados son comparables con África y Asia. Solamente tres instituciones a nivel nacional tienen un programa establecido de Rb. Conclusiones: Existe la necesidad inmediata de consolidar los programas de Rb para cubrir las necesidades reales de la población. Se requiere mejorar la educación del médico de primer contacto, establecer el registro nacional de casos y el programa de detección temprana, establecer los programas de salvamento ocular nacional, y reforzar las instituciones que brindan tratamiento.

Trilateral retinoblastoma with unilateral eye involvement / Retinoblastoma trilateral com acometimento ocular universal

SummaryRetinoblastomas (RB) are the main forms of intraocular tumor in childhood, with a worldwide incidence of 1 case per 15,000 to 20,000 live births. Trilateral RB (RBT) is a rare combination of unilateral or bilateral RB with a midline intracranial neoplasm of neuroblastic origin, usually found in the pineal region or the suprasellar region, presenting variable incidence of 0.5% up to 6% among patients with RB. The article reports a case of unilateral RBT in a patient treated at Hospital A.C.Camargo.

ResumoO retinoblastoma (RB) é a principal forma de tumor intraocular na infância, apresentando uma incidência mundial de 1 caso em cada 15 mil a 20 mil nascidos vivos. O RB trilateral (RBT) é uma rara combinação de RB unilateral ou bilateral com uma neoplasia da linha média intracraniana de origem neuroblástica, geralmente na região da glândula pineal ou na região suprasselar, apresentando incidência variável de 0,5 a 6% entre pacientes com RB. O artigo relata o caso de uma paciente com RBT com acometimento unilateral atendida no Hospital A.C.Camargo.

Massive Exudative Retinal Detachment Following Photodynamic Therapy and Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection in Retinal Capillary Hemangioma

No abstract available.

Retinal vasoproliferative tumor / Tumor vasoproliferativo da retina

Retinal vasoproliferative tumor is a rare disease that has capillary hemangioma as the most frequent diferential diagnosis. The tumor is considered to be of reactive nature. It can be idiophatic or secondary to other ocular diseases such as: uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa, sickle cell disease, previous surgery and retinopathy of prematurity. Lesions with no exsudation or visual decrease can be observed. Lesions that need treatment can be managed by on or more modalities such as cryotherapy, a variety of lasers, surgical excision, radiation, and antiangiogenic intravitreal injections.

O tumor vasoproliferativo da retina é uma lesão rara, cujo principal diagnóstico diferencial é o hemangioma capilar da retina. O tumor tem natureza reacional. Pode ser idiopático ou secundário a outras doenças como: uveítes, retinose pigmentar, retinopatia da anemia falciforme, cirurgia prévia e retinopatia da prematuridade. Lesões sem exsudação ou baixa visual podem ser observadas. Quando há indicação de tratamento este pode ser feito pela crioterapia, vários tipos de lasers, excisão cirúrgica, radioterapia e injeções intravítrea de antiangiogênicos, isoladamente ou em associação.

Retinoblastoma in patients with regressed retinopathy of prematurity.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a well-known clinical entity in premature babies. We report two patients (1 and 2) with regressed ROP who later presented with retinoblastoma (RB). To the best of our knowledge, there is only one such report in the literature so far. Two unrelated patients 1 and 2, born at 32 weeks gestation were screened for ROP at 34 weeks gestation. This showed Zone II Stage II ROP which regressed by 38 weeks of gestation on follow-up. Both patients were lost to follow-up by 40 weeks of gestation. They presented at four years of age with white reflex in the eye. Patient 1 was found to have unilateral and patient 2 bilateral RB. The occurrence of RB in these patients with regressed ROP is probably coincidental.

Hemangioma racemoso da retina: um caso clínico / Retinal racemose hemangioma: case report

O Hemangioma racemoso da retina é uma malformação congênita caracterizada por comunicações arteriovenovas (AV) retinianas. Em cerca de 30 por cento dos casos pode haver manifestações a nível do sistema nervoso central (SNC), denominando-se então por Síndrome de Wyburn-Mason. Os autores apresentam um caso clínico de um doente do sexo masculino de 39 anos que recorre ao serviço de Urgência devido a diminuição da acuidade visual do olho esquerdo (OE) com cerca de seis dias de evolução.Apresenta melhor acuidade visual corrigida olho direito (OD): 4/10 e olho esquerdo (OE): 2/10.À fundoscopia apresenta disco óptico com limites indefinidos, alguma palidez, dilatação e tortuosidade, AV marcada bilateralmente. O hemangioma racemoso da retina é um diagnóstico clínico raro, efectuado por meio do exame oftalmológico. É importante verificar o envolvimento do SNC por meio da realização de angiorressonância magnética nuclear. Atualmente não existe nenhum tratamento preconizado, sendo importante a realização de observações periódicas para averiguação de eventuais complicações.

Racemose Haemangioma (RH) is a congenital anomaly, characterized by retinal arteriovenous(AV) malformation. About 30 percent of patients have signs of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, which has been called the Wyburn-Mason syndrome. The authors present a 39-year-old male patient, who was admitted at the emergency room with decreased visual acuity of his left eye, for the last 6 days. Ophthalmic examination was performed and showed a visual acuity of 4/10 in his right eye and of 2/10 in the left eye. Fundoscopy examination revealed pallor of both optic discs, with blurred limits and a characteristic dilation and AV connections. RH of retina is a rare entity which can be diagnosed by ophthalmic examination. Once this diagnosis is established, involvement of CNS has to be rulled out performing an angioMRI. Currently, no specific treatment has been defined, except a periodic follow-up to prevent complications.

Presentation of retinoblastoma in pregnancy.

A 22-year-old female in her third trimester of pregnancy was referred to our department for sudden loss of vision with a painful blind eye. It was diagnosed as retinoblastoma clinically and radiologically. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. This case is one of its kind because retinoblastoma occurring during pregnancy had not been reported in literature so far.

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy of retinal capillary hemangioblastoma in von Hippel-Lindau disease.

An 18-year-old boy presented to us with bilateral retinal hemangioblastoma and von Hippel-Lindau disease with history of cerebral capillary hemangioblastoma and embryonic cell carcinoma of left testes. The vision in the right eye was already lost with development of secondary closed angle glaucoma, optic atrophy with subsequent development of bullous keratopathy. The multiple retinal angiomatous lesions in the seeing left eye were treated with various modalities like triple freeze thaw cryopexy, focal lasers and transpupillary thermo therapy in multiple sittings over a period of almost 20 years since detection. One particular angiomatous lesion in the left eye was showing resistance to all the above mentioned modalities and was finally successfully treated with verteporfin and photodynamic therapy to achieve complete regression without any post-treatment complication and with a sustained 20/20 vision till a follow-up of 15 months.

Eye-Preserving Therapy in Retinoblastoma: Prolonged Primary Chemotherapy Alone or Combined with Local Therapy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of primary chemotherapy combined with local therapy in the treatment of retinoblastomas not treatable with a single therapeutic method. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 227 patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma. Sixty-five eyes in 52 patients had tumors not treatable with a single therapeutic method and received primary chemotherapy combined with local therapy as needed. RESULTS: Tumor control and eye salvage was achieved in 34 of the 65 eyes; the probability of ocular survival was 46.56% using the Kaplan-Meier method. Forty-three of the 65 eyes were group D or E tumors, in which tumor control and eye salvage was achieved in 16 eyes. Twenty eyes were treated with chemotherapy only, while 28 eyes received one additional modality of local therapy, and 17 eyes received two modalities of local therapy. Of the eyes treated with chemotherapy only, tumor control was achieved in 5 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Primary chemotherapy combined with local therapy can be effective and safe in the treatment of retinoblastomas otherwise untreatable with other therapeutic methods, such as group D and E retinoblastomas. More vigorous treatment with more local therapeutic methods combined may yield even better results.

Retinoblastoma unilateral estadio III en pre-escolar: a propósito de un caso Hospital Central Dr. José María Vargas San Cristobal marzo 2008 Edo. Táchira-Venezuela / Unilateral retinoblastoma stage III in pre-school: a purpose of case Hospital Central Dr. José María Vargas San Cristobal in march 2008 state Táchira-Venezuela

El retinoblastoma comprende el 4 por ciento de tumoraciones malignas en edad pediátrica con una incidencia de 1 por cada 20000 niños vivos y en USA se presenta por año entre 250-300 niños, 50-95 por ciento sobreviven a nivel mundial, no hay predisposición por sexo o raza y entre ellos 25-35 por ciento se presentan en forma bilateral, la edad aproximada para el diagnóstico varia en las formas unilaterales alrededor de los 12 meses hasta las formas bilaterales a los 24 meses. Preescolar femenino de 4 años de edad natural de Socopó, procedente de El Piñal quien inicia enfermedad actual de 2 años de evolución caracterizada por la presencia de masa tumoral en ojo izquierdo la cual se incrementa en los últimos 4 meses llegando hasta la protrusión del globo ocular y de 6 días limitación para la oclusión, rubor en párpado superior izquierdo y fiebre. Asimetría ocular, protrusión del globo ocular izquierdo, limitación para la apertura, hifema y no se visualiza córnea, pupilas ni el iris. Es evaluada por el servicio de Oftalmología: OI: Blefarospasmo reactivo, eritema bipalpebral y edema que limitan la apertura ocular. Biomicrooscopia: Quemosis conjuntival en 360 con salida de secreción purulenta a nivel temporal de la conjuntiva, pannus corneal periférico en banda cálcica, opacidad de medios transparentes. LDH 267 UI/I. Ultrasonido Ocular: globo ocular izquierdo: faquico, con lesión sólida localizada en pared ocular extendiéndose anteriormente, sin movilidad, con ecos de alta reflectividad en su interior con sombrado posterior de pared ocular. TAC de cráneo y órbita: imagen radiólucida que infiltra globo ocular izquierdo sin compromiso del nervio óptico, resto sin anormalidad, TAC de tórax y abdomen: normal, Ecosonograma Abdominal: normal, Gammagrama Óseo: normal. Se realizó exanteración de la órbita del globo ocular izquierdo. Biopsia que microscópicamente evidencia tumor infiltra todas las capas con microscopia donde evidencia pseudoresetas en masa tumoral.

Retinoblastoma: a three-year-study at a Brazilian medical school hospital

OBJECTIVE: To present the characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with retinoblastoma. METHODS: A retrospective case series was conducted to review the records of all new patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma between 2003 and 2005. Eyes with early disease, or advanced disease with potential vision were treated with chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide) in conjunction with early local therapy (laser or cryo). Radiotherapy was used in cases where the disease did not respond to the above protocols or in recurrent cases. Eyes in the late stage of disease with no potential vision in the initial examination or eyes and where conservative treatment had failed were enucleated. RESULTS: In total, we reviewed 28 new cases of retinoblastoma, 15 of which were unilateral and 13 of which were bilateral (46 percent). These data correspond to a mean of 9.3 new cases per year (0.77 case/ month). The mean age at diagnosis was 33.8 months for unilateral cases, and 19.15 months for bilateral cases (p=0.015). Leucocoria was the major presenting symptom (75 percent). All but one patient with unilateral disease had the affected eye enucleated due to advanced disease (mean follow-up: 39.91 months). Among the 13 bilateral cases, 13 eyes (50 percent) were enucleated, 11 eyes (42.4 percent) were saved with chemotherapy in conjunction with local therapy and 2 eyes (7.6 percent) were saved using external beam radiotherapy (mean follow-up: 41.91 months). In unilateral and bilateral disease, pathology data revealed choroid involvement in 50 percent and 30 percent, respectively, and optic nerve invasion in 92 percent and 50 percent, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this population, retinoblastoma was diagnosed too late and most eyes were consequently enucleated. In cases with bilateral disease, half of the eyes were preserved.

Retinoblastoma bilateral de aparecimento tardio: relato de caso / Late presentation of bilateral retinoblastoma: case report

É relatado um caso de retinoblastoma de aparecimento tardio, com características pouco freqüentes, com o objetivo de melhorar o controle da afecção. Em 1993, SJMMF, nove meses, masculino, leucodermo, apresentou tumor na retina esquerda. O paciente tinha história familiar de retinoblastoma. A enucleação foi realizada, comprovando-se retinoblastoma. Os exames para estadiamento sistêmico foram normais. O olho direito evoluiu normal por dez anos. Em exame de rotina, foram constatadas três lesões de retinoblastoma na retina nasal. Foi feita termoterapia transpupilar, com laser de diodo de 810 nm. Após 30 dias, as lesões regrediram. Após 60 dias houve recidiva na borda da lesão, onde foi realizada crioterapia transescleral, com regressão do tumor por seis meses. Durante o controle, observaram-se condensações próximas à lesão tumoral atrófica (sementes vítreas). Foi feito braquiterapia com Iodo125, havendo desaparecimento das mesmas após 30 dias. Novas sementes surgiram três meses pós-braquiterapia, depositadas na superfície retiniana, sendo tratadas com crioterapia transescleral e termoterapia transpupilar, havendo regressão. O paciente evoluiu com nova semente vítrea após seis meses, a qual, após depositar-se na superfície da retina, foi tratada com termoterapia transpupilar. Está em seguimento há 38 meses desde o aparecimento do tumor bilateral, mantendo acuidade visual de 20/20 e exames clínicos normais. Considera-se importante este caso pela pouca freqüência de aparecimento da doença nesta idade. Julga-se necessário o alerta para os casos de retinoblastoma já considerados curados.

A case of retinoblastoma with uncommon features is reported, aiming at improving follow-up. In 1993, SJMMF, 9-month-old white boy, presented a squint in the left eye. A retinal tumor was detected. The patient had a family history of retinoblastoma. Enucleation was performed and retinoblastoma was proved. The patient underwent examination for staging, all were normal. The fellow eye remained normal for 10 years. During routine examination the retina map revealed three retinoblastoma white lesions in the nasal retina. The patient underwent transpupillary thermotherapy with diode laser. After 30 days, the lesions became atrophic. After 60 days there was tumor recurrence on the border of the lesion. Sclera cryotherapy was performed. There was tumor regression for six months. During follow-up, condensations next to the atrophic tumor lesions were discovered, which were vitreous seeds. Brachitherapy with 125 iodine was done. The lesions disappeared after 30 days. New vitreous seeds appeared 3 months later, set on the retina surface. They were blocked with sclera cryotherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy. The patient presented with new vitreous seeds after six months, which adhered to the retina. They were blocked with transpupillary thermotherapy. Follow-up was for 38 months since the appearance of the bilateral tumor. The patient presents normal visual acuity and clinical examination. This case is important considering the low frequency of the disease at this age. It is essential to maintain alertness when cases of retinoblastoma are seen as cured.

A cross-sectional study on aqueous humour lactate dehydrogenase level in retinoblastoma.

Lactate dehydrogenase enzyme is a non-specific marker found raised in different body fluids in various pathological conditions. This cross-sectional study was done in a medical college of Kolkata, India to find out lactate dehydrogenase level of aqueous humour in retinoblastoma cases. Aqueous humour lactate dehydrogenase level from 21 histology proved retinoblastoma cases and 21 controls was estimated and compared. Range of lactate dehydrogenase levels in retinoblastoma cases were 863-4819 IU/l; mean being 3396.9 IU/l; and in controls range was 48-146 IU/l; mean being 90.6 IU/l; 76.19% of retinoblastoma cases had value over 3000 IU/l. None of the controls had value above 150 IU/l. The difference between lactate dehydrogenase values of cases and controls was significant (p<0.001).

Bilateral retinoblastoma in early infancy: a case report.

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular tumour of childhood. Though congenital, it is not diagnosed at birth, and is usually seen between 1-2 years of age. We here report a case of bilateral retinoblastoma with early presentation at the age of one month.

Tumor vasoproliferativo associado à tuberculose ocular presumida: relato de caso / Vasoproliferative tumor associated with presumed ocular tuberculosis: case report

OBJETIVO: Descrever um caso de tumor vasoproliferativo associado à tuberculose ocular tratado com crioterapia e injeção de triancinolona intravítrea. DESENHO DO ESTUDO/PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Relato de caso intervencional. Paciente do sexo feminino, 42 anos, referia inflamação do olho direito havia 1 ano, não diagnosticada, tratada com prednisona oral por 30 dias. Relatava baixa visão com o olho direito (OD) desde a infância. Negava antecedentes pessoais e familiares. Ao exame ocular, apresentava acuidade visual menor que 20/400 com o OD. Não apresentava alterações à biomicroscopia e a pressão intra-ocular era normal em ambos os olhos. A fundoscopia do OD mostrava lesão vascularizada, elevada, associada ao descolamento seroso e exsudatos duros, localizada na periferia inferior da retina. A lesão era cercada por extensa área de pontos de hiperplasia do epitélio pigmentar. A mácula apresentava diminuição do reflexo foveal. No exame de ultra-som ocular, a lesão apresentava altura igual a 2,25mm e consistência sugestiva de lesão vascularizada. Foram solicitados exames sorológicos, hemograma, RX tórax e PPD. Os exames foram normais, com exceção do PPD, considerado forte reator. A paciente foi encaminhada ao infectologista, que diagnosticou tuberculose após exame de pesquisa de BK no escarro. Em face do quadro clínico, foi feito o diagnóstico de tumor vasoproliferativo da retina associado à tuberculose ocular presumida. Iniciou-se o tratamento com esquema tríplice (rifampicina, isoniazida e piridoxina). Optou-se por tratar o tumor com crioterapia e injeção intravítrea de triancinolona (4 mg/ml). Após 30 dias, a paciente apresentava diminuição do descolamento seroso e áreas atróficas na lesão tumoral. O aspecto angiofluoresceinográfico mostrava algumas áreas de enchimento precoce da trama vascular com discreto extravasamento tardio do contraste, sem áreas de oclusão capilar. A maior parte da lesão apresentava hipofluorescência por bloqueio (proliferação...

PURPOSE: To describe a case of vasoproliferative tumor associated with presumed ocular tuberculosis treated with cryotherapy and intravitreal triamcinolone injection. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENT AND METHODS: Interventional case report. A 42-year-old female patient reported inflammation of the right eye 1 year ago, treated with oral prednisone for 30 days. She referred blurred vision in the right eye since childhood. Ophthalmologic examination showed 20/400 visual acuity in the right eye. Biomicroscopy and intraocular pressure were normal. Fundus examination showed vascularized elevated lesion, associated with serous retinal detachment and hard exudates at the inferior periphery. The lesion was surrounded by extensive area of hyperplastic retinal pigment epithelium. The macula showed attenuation of the foveal reflex. Ocular ultrasound showed a 2.25 mm height vascularized lesion. Serologic examination, hemogram and thorax RX were normal. PPD was considered strong reactor and tuberculosis was diagnosed after positive BK research. Considering the clinical aspects, the ocular diagnosis was vasoproliferative tumor associated with presumed ocular tuberculosis. Treatment with rifampicin, isoniazide and pyridoxine was started. We decided to treat the ocular tumor with cryotherapy and intravitreal triamcinolone injection (4 mg/ml). After 30 days, serous detachment was smaller and the tumor showed atrophic areas. Fluorescein angiography showed areas of vascular hyperfluorescence with slight extravasation and areas of blocked fluorescence due to RPE hyperplasia. Secondary vasoproliferative tumors are retinal glial proliferations and are associated with many ocular conditions that affect retina and choroid. Because of the great number of associated complications, with important visual loss, vasoproliferative tumors should be treated at the moment of diagnosis. Treatment of choice is cryotherapy. Intravitreal triamcinolone can be used as adjuvant treatment...

Double combined pigment epithelial and retinal hamartomas in a single eye: an optical coherence tomographic study.

Combined retinal pigment epithelial and retinal hamartomas are focal malformations composed of overgrowth of mature glial, vascular and pigmented cells. They are usually solitary and unilateral. In addition there are only a few optical coherence tomographic reports of the same. We report a rare case of twin hamartomas in the same eye and their unique optical coherence tomographic findings that are different from previous reports.

Retinal Capillary Hemangioma Treated with Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy and Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide

PURPOSE: To report a case of retinal capillary hemangioma treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. METHODS: A 15-year-old female presented with metamorphopsia in the left eye for 7 days. Examination showed peripheral endophytic retinal capillary hemangioma, macular edema, and a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50. The hemangioma and macular edema were treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. RESULTS: After 5 months of follow-up, involution of the hemangioma, reduction of macular edema, decrease of the feeder and draining vessel diameter, and improvement of best-corrected visual acuity to 20/25 was seen. CONCLUSIONS: This verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide appeared to cause involution of the hemangioma with reduction in macular edema and improvement in visual acuity.