ABSTRACT
Purpose Silicone oil a burgeoning adjuvant in the treatment of uveal melanoma where it is used for tissue protection during I-125 brachytherapy. While risk factors in the development of radiation retinopathy (RR) have been identified, treatment modulation for high-risk patients has largely been overlooked. We seek to expand the literature on this subject by reporting outcomes of I-125 brachytherapy with silicone oil in a high-risk population in the community setting. Methods Five patients with uveal melanoma and at least one risk factor for RR development underwent iodine-125 (I-125) plaque brachytherapy with concurrent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), silicone oil administration, and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Plaque and silicone oil removal were performed after seven days. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. Results Follow-up ranged from 12 to 56 months. Macular radiation doses ranged from 12.55 to 141.5 Gy; the two eyes with the largest doses developed RR at 34 and 15 months as well as neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Surgical complications included one rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) and an intra-operative vitreous hemorrhage with post-operative hyphema requiring additional intervention. Conclusion RR may be attenuated by silicone oil administration in patients with some risk factors. In tumors farther from the macula, this benefit is more readily apparent. Tumors located more posteriorly may not benefit from silicone oil administration considering postoperative complications and operating time. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and anticipated macular radiation dosage may help determine which patients can benefit from silicone oil and identify patient risks for adverse outcomes.
ABSTRACT
A 56-year-old man who had twice previously undergone orthotopic heart transplantation was admitted with dyspnea and heart failure symptoms. A biopsy excluded rejection. Left heart catheterization revealed a coronary cameral fistula. After the patient was given mild diuretics, his condition improved. No significant fistula flow was detected, and he was discharged. Several months later, the patient was readmitted with worsening chest pain and dyspnea. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and flow through the fistula were increased. To correct the coronary cameral fistula, we performed a coil embolization without complications. Several months later at follow-up, the patient's symptoms had resolved, and his left ventricular end-diastolic pressure had normalized. We conclude that coronary fistulas may be caused by trauma to the heart during the de-airing process, which may be prevented in the future with the development of safer and more effective de-airing techniques.
