Ultrasonography in diagnosis of retinoblastoma

ABSTRACT

Retinoblastoma is a common childhood malignant intraocular tumor. Early detection and urgent treatment enhances survival in terms of sight and life. Ultrasonography has emerged as an indispensable tool for its examination and diagnosis. To evaluate the reliability of ophthalmic Ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for retinoblastoma in children. Eye [A] unit department of Ophthalmology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from January, 2007 to January, 2009. Patients with suspected clinical features of retinoblastoma were admitted in referral center for retinoblastoma. After recording history, patients underwent investigations which included Ultrasonography later supported by examination under anesthesia and C.T Scan orbit and brain. Treatment was offered following initial diagnosis. A total of 25 children were initially diagnosed as retinoblastoma and were admitted in Eye [A] unit during the last 2 years. There were 16 males and 9 females. There were 16 unilateral and 9 bilateral cases. On ophthalmic Ultrasonography, out of 34 eyes [25 patients], 33 [97%] revealed calcification and high reflectivity. Later a C.T Scan orbit and brain was also done. Histopathological confirmation was carried out in 17 enucleated eyes of 25 patients; where 9 patients had bilateral disease, 4 specimens were lost and 4 patients had intracranial extension and therefore enucleation was not advised in this group. Ophthalmic ultrasound is an easy, reliable and non invasive method for the diagnosis of retinoblastoma