Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Intraocular Tumors

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of suspected intraocular malignancy and simulating conditions. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of the medical records of patients who underwent diagnostic pars plana transvitreal biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 12 biopsies were performed in 11 eyes of 11 patients with intraocular tumor and the final diagnosis was confirmed by cytologic examination in 10 eyes. There was insufficient amount of material for cytologic examination in one case. In another case, biopsy was repeated to obtain the final result due to false negative result of the first biopsy. Localized intraocular hemorrhage was found to be the most common complication, but resolved spontaneously in most cases. Retinal detachment and tumor recurrence were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Transvitreal fine-needle aspiration biopsy is an accurate diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of intraocular tumors difficult to diagnose with other non-invasive diagnostic technique and it can be performed safely with minimal complication.