Systematic review of the current status of programs and general knowledge of diagnosis and management of retinoblastoma

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.

Haemolacria: A Novel Approach to Lesion Localization

PURPOSE

To report the use of punctal plugs as a new modality to assist in the localization of lesions providing symptomatic relief in patients with haemolacria during their workup.

METHODS

Retrospective case series.

RESULTS

One boy and one girl, ages 16 and 20, respectively, reported spontaneous bloody tearing. Workup included probing and irrigation of the nasolacrimal system, blood and coagulation profiles, blood typing, serum hormone levels, conjunctival biopsy, and imaging. All findings were normal and failed to suggest a cause in any of the cases. Punctal plugs were inserted into each patient's inferior punctum OS without complication. On initial follow-up visits, each patient reported cessation of bloody tears OS with continued bloody tears OD. Over time, both patients experienced complete cessation of haemolacria in both eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Haemolacria is a condition caused by a group of disorders that result in the production of tears that are partially composed of blood. The large majority of cases result in a specific diagnosis. Only rarely does workup result in undetermined etiology. The novel approach of utilizing punctal plugs in the management of haemolacria may not only provide symptomatic relief for lesions distal to and including the punctum, but also assists in anatomic localization in idiopathic cases.

Comparison of high-risk histopathological features in eyes with primary or secondary enucleation for retinoblastoma

AIMS

To compare high-risk histopathology of eyes with primary versus secondary enucleation from patients with retinoblastoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective histopathology review identified 207 eyes enucleated from 202 patients between March 1997 and August 2013. Our review considered high-risk histopathological features to include extraocular disease or invasion of the anterior chamber, iris, ciliary body, choroid (massive), postlaminar optic nerve or sclera.

RESULTS

Most eyes (144, 70%) were primarily enucleated; 63 (30%) were secondarily enucleated after neoadjuvant therapy. The primary enucleation group had more advanced disease (Reese-Ellsworth group V: 95% vs 59%; International Classification Group D/E: 97% vs 59%; p<0.001). The incidence of high-risk histopathology features was similar between groups (32% vs 21%, n=59; p=0.132). The type of prior therapy was not associated with high-risk histopathology features. Time to enucleation was longer for secondarily enucleated eyes with high-risk features. Choroid and postlaminar optic nerve invasion were more frequent in eyes primarily enucleated (p<0.001). Forty-six of the 59 (78%) patients with high-risk features received adjuvant chemotherapy and/or external beam radiation therapy. Three patients who received primary enucleation and adjuvant therapy died of metastatic recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the more favourable classification of eyes treated with neoadjuvant therapy, the risk of high-risk histopathology features at enucleation was comparable with eyes undergoing primary enucleation. Delayed enucleation was associated with these features, and the majority of patients required further adjuvant therapy. Caution must be exercised in treating recalcitrant intraocular retinoblastoma to promptly pursue definitive enucleation in an effort to minimise further treatment exposures and metastases.

Modulation of radiation injury response in retinal endothelial cells by quinic acid derivative KZ-41 involves p38 MAPK

Radiation-induced damage to the retina triggers leukostasis, retinal endothelial cell (REC) death, and subsequent hypoxia. Resultant ischemia leads to visual loss and compensatory retinal neovascularization (RNV). Using human RECs, we demonstrated that radiation induced leukocyte adhesion through mechanisms involving p38MAPK, p53, and ICAM-1 activation. Additional phenotypic changes included p38MAPK-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the focal adhesion scaffolding protein, paxillin (Tyr118). The quinic acid derivative KZ-41 lessened leukocyte adhesion and paxillin-dependent proliferation via inhibition of p38MAPK-p53-ICAM-1 signaling. Using the murine oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model, we examined the effect of KZ-41 on pathologic RNV. Daily ocular application of a KZ-41-loaded nanoemulsion significantly reduced both the avascular and neovascular areas in harvested retinal flat mounts when compared to the contralateral eye receiving vehicle alone. Our data highlight the potential benefit of KZ-41 in reducing both the retinal ischemia and neovascularization provoked by genotoxic insults. Further research into how quinic acid derivatives target and mitigate inflammation is needed to fully appreciate their therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory retinal vasculopathies.

Superselective intraophthalmic artery chemotherapy in a nonhuman primate model: histopathologic findings

IMPORTANCE

We describe the histopathologic findings in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of superselective intraophthalmic artery chemotherapy (SSIOAC), detailing ocular and orbital vascular adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE

To further document, using comprehensive ocular and orbital histopathology, previously reported toxic effects observed with real-time ophthalmoscopy during SSIOAC in a NHP model.

DESIGN

Comparative interventional case series.

SETTING

Preclinical trial approved under the guidelines of the Institutional Animal Care and Utilization committee.

PARTICIPANTS

Six adult male rhesus macaques (Macacca mulatta).

INTERVENTIONS

The right eye of each NHP was treated with 3 cycles of SSIOAC using either melphalan (5 mg/30 mL) or carboplatin (30 mg/30 mL). Both eyes in each animal were enucleated 6 hours after the final procedure, before euthanasia and formalin perfusion of the NHP; we then performed orbital dissection of the arterial vasculature and optic nerves.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Histopathologic examination of the eyes, optic nerves, and orbital vessels of the 6 treated NHPs.

RESULTS

We found leukostasis with retinal arteriole occlusion in all treated eyes. Retinal endothelial cells stained positive for 2 inflammatory markers, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and interleukin 8. Transmission electron microscopy revealed occlusion of the retinal vessels with ultrastructural changes in the endothelial cells and surrounding pericytes. Additional findings included nerve fiber layer infarcts, central retinal artery thrombosis, hypertrophy and occlusion of choroidal arteries with disruption of the internal elastic lamina, patchy choroidal inflammation, and birefringent intravascular foreign bodies. Orbital findings included ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery wall dissection, fracturing of the internal elastic lamina, intimal hyperplasia, and eyelid vessel damage. Optic nerves displayed hemorrhage, leukostasis, and foreign body crystallization. Control eyes, optic nerves, and orbital vessels were normal.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Histopathologic examination of our nonhuman primate model for SSIOAC revealed significant toxic effects in the ocular and orbital vasculature. These findings substantiate previous observations with real-time retinal imaging and parallel reported vascular toxic effects in children with retinoblastoma treated with SSIOAC.

Pediatric anophthalmic sockets and orbital implants: outcomes with polymer-coated implants

PURPOSE

To compare wrapped and polymer-coated hydroxyapatite implants in children undergoing primary enucleation with no adjuvant therapies.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

All children undergoing primary enucleation without adjuvant therapies between 1999 and 2009 at a tertiary pediatric cancer hospital.

METHODS

Review and analysis of patient records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Implant exposure, extrusion and migration, socket contracture, and formation of pyogenic granuloma.

RESULTS

Sixty consecutive patients undergoing primary enucleation with no adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation with follow-up of at least 12 months were included. Retinoblastoma was the diagnosis in 59 eyes (98.3%). Median follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 1.0-9.3 years). Two implant sizes were used: 20 mm in 47 patients (78.3%) and 18 mm in 13 patients (21.7%). Overall, 52 patients (86.7%) had an event-free recovery. Polymer-coated hydroxyapatite implants (43/60, 71.7%), when compared with wrapped ones (17/60, 28.3%), had a trend toward greater event-free recovery (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-7.7) and lower exposure rate (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 0.4-10.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of polymer-coated hydroxyapatite implants is associated with favorable outcomes in the pediatric population. Despite observed complications, long-term implant retention is possible in most children.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Validating a nonhuman primate model of super-selective intraophthalmic artery chemotherapy: comparing ophthalmic artery diameters

PURPOSE

Superselective intraophthalmic artery chemotherapy (SSIOAC) is being used for treatment of retinoblastoma; however, the hemodynamic consequences and toxicities are not fully known. We developed a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of SSIOAC and reported our clinical observations. For validation, we compared ophthalmic artery (OA) diameters between NHPs and children (<6 years).

METHODS

Endovascular cannulation of the right OA was performed three times each in six adult male Rhesus macaques. Angiographic OA images were obtained and measured, and postmortem OAs were histologically sectioned and measured. Retrospectively, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography images of the head in children and adolescents (as an adult reference) were used to measure the OA luminal diameter at its origin.

RESULTS

The median angiographic diameter of treated NHP OA origins (n = 6) was 1.06 mm (range 0.94-1.56). Histologic measurements (8 of 12 NHP OAs) gave a median diameter of 1.09 mm (range 0.95-1.41). In 98 children (from 169 consecutive CT and MR angiography studies; median age 1.01 years, range 0.01-5.74), 186 OAs were measurable at the origin (median luminal diameter 1.28 mm, range 0.82-2.00; P = 0.16 for the angiographic NHP diameters versus pediatric cohort). Angiographic measurements of 34 OAs (of 20 consecutive studies of adolescents; median age 16.55 years, range 14.40-18.18) gave a median luminal diameter of 1.45 mm (origin, range 1.13-1.66; P < 0.0001, adolescent versus pediatric).

CONCLUSIONS

Measurements of the OA luminal diameter at its origin were similar between our NHP and pediatric cohort, validating our NHP model for testing both the hemodynamic consequences and toxicities of SSIOAC.

Intra-ophthalmic artery chemotherapy triggers vascular toxicity through endothelial cell inflammation and leukostasis

Purpose. Super-selective intra-ophthalmic artery chemotherapy (SSIOAC) is an eye-targeted drug-delivery strategy to treat retinoblastoma, the most prevalent primary ocular malignancy in children. Unfortunately, recent clinical reports associate adverse vascular toxicities with SSIOAC using melphalan, the most commonly used chemotherapeutic. Methods. To explore reasons for the unexpected vascular toxicities, we examined the effects of melphalan, as well as carboplatin (another chemotherapeutic used with retinoblastoma), in vitro using primary human retinal endothelial cells, and in vivo using a non-human primate model, which allowed us to monitor the retina in real time during SSIOAC. Results. Both melphalan and carboplatin triggered human retinal endothelial cell migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and increased expression of adhesion proteins intracellullar adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1] and soluble chemotactic factors (IL-8). Melphalan increased monocytic adhesion to human retinal endothelial cells. Consistent with these in vitro findings, histopathology showed vessel wall endothelial cell changes, leukostasis, and vessel occlusion. Conclusions. These results reflect a direct interaction of chemotherapeutic drugs with both the vascular endothelium and monocytes. The vascular toxicity may be related to the pH, the pulsatile delivery, or the chemotherapeutic drugs used. Our long-term goal is to determine if changes in the drug of choice and/or delivery procedures will decrease vascular toxicity and lead to better eye-targeted treatment strategies.

Topotecan and vincristine combination is effective against advanced bilateral intraocular retinoblastoma and has manageable toxicity

BACKGROUND

New, effective chemotherapeutic agents are needed for intraocular retinoblastoma.

METHODS

This institutional clinical trial sought to estimate the rate of response to 2 courses of vincristine and topotecan (VT) window therapy in patients with bilateral retinoblastoma and advanced disease (Reese-Ellsworth group IV or V) in at least 1 eye. The topotecan dose started at 3 mg/m(2) /day for 5 days and was adjusted to target a systemic exposure of 140 ± 20 ng/mL · hour. The vincristine dose was 0.05 mg/kg for patients <12 months of age and 1.5 mg/m(2) for those >12 months of age at diagnosis.

RESULTS

From February 2005 to June 2010, 27 patients received VT window therapy. Median age at enrollment was 8.1 months (range, 0.7-22.1 months). Twenty-four patients (88.9%) responded to window therapy (95% confidence interval = 71.3%-96.9%). Hematologic toxicity comprised grade 4 neutropenia (n = 27), grade 3 anemia (n = 19), and grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia (n = 16). Thirteen patients had grade 3 nonhematologic toxicity. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support was added after 10 patients had been treated, and it significantly reduced the duration of grade 4 neutropenia (median, 7 vs 24 days; P < .001). Pharmacokinetic studies showed rapid changes in topotecan clearance rates during the first year of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of topotecan and vincristine is effective for the treatment of advanced intraocular retinoblastoma. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment alleviates the duration of grade 4 neutropenia. Appropriate topotecan starting doses for patients 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and >12 months of age are specified.

Carboplatin-associated ototoxicity in children with retinoblastoma

PURPOSE

Carboplatin-induced ototoxicity remains poorly defined but is of potential great consequence in children with retinoblastoma. We retrospectively assessed the incidence of ototoxicity and its risk factors in children with retinoblastoma who were treated with carboplatin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the audiologic test results of 60 patients with retinoblastoma who received front-line treatment with systemic carboplatin and vincristine according to the St Jude RET-3 protocol (n = 23) or best clinical management (n = 37). Ototoxicity was evaluated by three different grading systems.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (20%) developed ototoxicity at some time after treatment initiation; however, ototoxicity resolved in two patients, and thus,10 patients (17%) had sustained hearing loss as documented at their most recent audiologic evaluation. Nine of these 10 patients had grade 3 or 4 ototoxicity, and nine patients were less than 6 months of age at the start of chemotherapy. Age at the start of chemotherapy was the only risk factor identified as a significant predictor of sustained hearing loss. Younger age was associated with an increased incidence of hearing loss. The different ototoxicity grading systems showed good overall agreement in the identification of patients with ototoxicity. Agreement was greatest between the Brock and Children's Cancer Group systems.

CONCLUSION

We found that young patients with retinoblastoma who were treated with systemic carboplatin had a higher incidence of ototoxicity than previously reported. Younger patients (< 6 months of age at the start of treatment) were more likely to have ototoxicity than were older patients. Children treated with carboplatin should routinely undergo thorough, long-term audiologic monitoring.

The effect of cancer therapies on pediatric anophthalmic sockets

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of chemotherapy or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) on pediatric anophthalmic sockets.

DESIGN

A retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 135 sockets of 133 children undergoing enucleation from late 1999 to early 2009 at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital were included.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of outcomes after enucleation in patients treated with systemic chemotherapy or orbital EBRT either before or after removal of the eye compared with patients who received no other treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of implant exposure, migration, extrusion, socket contracture, and pyogenic granuloma formation.

RESULTS

Retinoblastoma was the primary diagnosis in 128 eyes (95%). Median follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 0.1-9.3 years). Event-free course was observed in 94 sockets (69.6%). Complications included implant exposure (n = 28, 20.7%), socket contracture (n = 16, 11.9%), pyogenic granuloma (n = 9, 6.7%), implant extrusion (n = 3, 2.2%), and migration (n = 2, 1.5%). Exposure resolved in 21 sockets (77.8%) and improved in 2 sockets (11.1%); 1 patient with exposure died. Use of prior, adjuvant, or subsequent chemotherapy increased the long-term risk of exposure (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-9.4), and contracture (OR could not be calculated, P<0.0001). External beam radiotherapy greatly increased the risk of contracture (OR 24.0; 95% CI, 6.9-82.8) and exposure (OR 2.89; 95% CI, 1.1-7.9).

CONCLUSIONS

In this unique pediatric population with cancer, chemotherapy and EBRT had an additive effect, significantly increasing the incidence of exposure and socket contracture.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Real-time ophthalmoscopic findings of superselective intraophthalmic artery chemotherapy in a nonhuman primate model

OBJECTIVE

To report real-time ophthalmoscopic findings during superselective intraophthalmic artery chemotherapy (SSIOAC) in a nonhuman primate model.

METHODS

Six adult male Rhesus macaques (Macacca mulatta) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment cohorts: melphalan (5 mg/30 mL) or carboplatin (30 mg/30 mL). Each animal underwent 3 separate SSIOAC procedures at 3-week intervals. Digital retinal images were obtained during each infusion. Intravenous fluorescein angiography was performed immediately after each procedure.

RESULTS

All SSIOAC procedures were successfully completed. Toxicities were equally distributed between drug cohorts. Systemic toxicities included mild bone marrow suppression in all animals and anorexia in 1. One animal had greater than 50% narrowing of the treated ophthalmic artery after its second infusion. All 18 procedures (100%) resulted in pulsatile optic nerve and choroid blanching, retinal artery narrowing, and retinal edema. Of the 18 procedures, retinal artery sheathing was found during 17 (94%), and retinal artery precipitates were seen in 10 (56%); choroidal hypoperfusion was seen by fluorescein angiogram in 18 (100%).

CONCLUSION

Real-time ophthalmic investigations are useful and, in our nonhuman primate model, indicate prevalent, acute ocular vascular toxicities during SSIOAC.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Real-time retinal imaging is feasible in a nonhuman primate model of SSIOAC. Application to SSIOAC in children may shed insight into reported vascular toxicities.

Socioeconomic factors and diagnosis of uveal melanoma in the mid-southern United States

PURPOSE

To establish the base incidence of uveal melanoma in the mid-southern United States and to explore the regional frequency of uveal melanoma diagnosis as a function of area-based socioeconomic measures (ABSM) aggregated at the level of small geographic units delimited by Zoning Improvement Plan (ZIP) codes.

METHODS

Based on a retrospective chart review (1996-2007) of patients seen at our institutions with the diagnosis of uveal melanoma, the number of uveal melanoma cases was calculated for each ZIP-code in Arkansas, Mississippi, western Tennessee and Louisiana. The base incidence of uveal melanoma was calculated using the population size reported in the 2000 census as the population at risk for each geographic area. Data on the average house value and average household income reported in the 2000 census were used in a Poisson regression analysis to examine their effect on the frequency of uveal melanoma diagnosis.

RESULTS

There were 327 (of 1,669) regional ZIP-codes that were the source of 457 patients with uveal melanoma. Higher ABSM, defined as greater average house value or household income, were positively associated with the number of observed melanoma cases per ZIP-code. The annualized incidence of uveal melanoma was at least 3.5 cases per million in the areas studied.

CONCLUSION

Higher ABSM were associated with the increased frequency of uveal melanoma diagnosis in the regions studied. Extrapolating from similar trends observed with non-ocular cancers, this may signify a need for increased access to ophthalmologic care to ensure timely diagnosis.

Functional neuroimaging to characterize visual system development in children with retinoblastoma

PURPOSE

To use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate visual system development in children being treated for retinoblastoma.

METHODS

Informed consent was obtained for all participants (N = 42) in this institutional review board-approved study. Participants were imaged with a 1.5-T scanner while under propofol sedation. Diagnostic brain and orbital imaging was followed by investigational functional neuroimaging, which included fMRI during photic stimulation through closed eyelids, to measure functional activation in the visual cortex, and DTI, to evaluate diffusion parameters of white matter tracts in the corpus callosum and the periventricular optic radiations. Analysis included 115 examinations of 39 patients with a median age of 16.4 months and age range from 1.5 to 101.5 months at first evaluation.

RESULTS

The blood oxygen level-dependent signal was predominantly negative and located in the anterior visual cortex. Activation was affected by tumor lateralization (unilateral or bilateral), macular involvement, and retinal detachment. Patients who had undergone unilateral enucleation showed cortical dominance corresponding to the projection from the nasal hemiretina in the unaffected eye. Diffusion parameters followed a normal developmental trajectory in the optic radiations and corpus callosum, but variability was greater in the splenium than in the genu of the corpus callosum.

CONCLUSIONS

Longitudinal functional neuroimaging demonstrated important effects of disease and treatment. Therefore, fMRI and DTI may be useful for characterizing the impact of retinoblastoma on the developing visual system and improving the prediction of visual outcome in survivors.

A prospective comparison of fine-needle aspiration cytopathology and histopathology in the diagnosis of orbital mass lesions

AIM

To assess the diagnostic value of the orbital fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) with an in vitro technique, eliminating the sampling error.

DESIGN

Prospective, non-randomised, interventional case series.

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients were studied prospectively in institutional clinical practices. Immediately after excision of orbital mass lesions, the removed tissue was stabilised under the hand of the surgeon and biopsied with a 23- or 25-gauge needle. The samples were processed for cytopathological examination with Cytospin. The excised specimens were then submitted for routine histological examination. The cytopathological diagnoses were compared with the final histopathological diagnoses.

RESULTS

Six out of 68 lesions were excluded and the remaining 62 cases were divided into four groups as primary malignant, primary benign, secondary malignant and inflammatory lesions, based on histopathological diagnoses. In 43 cases the cytopathological and histopathological diagnoses were the same, with a concordance rate of 69%. Among the malignant tumours, the cytopathological diagnoses correlated with the histopathological diagnoses in 14/14 and 17/27 cases of metastatic/secondary and primary orbital malignancies, respectively. Of 11 primary benign tumours, two cytopathological diagnoses correlated with histopathology. In inflammatory lesions, the cytopathological diagnoses were matched with the histopathological diagnoses in 10/10 biopsies.

CONCLUSION

Even when the sampling error is eliminated with an "in vitro FNAB" technique, the concordance rates between histopathological and cytopathological diagnoses varied considerably among different types of orbital mass lesions. FNAB diagnoses were most reliable in metastatic and secondary malignancies and inflammatory lesions, and least reliable in benign orbital neoplasms and cysts.

Lack of correlation between the histologic and magnetic resonance imaging results of optic nerve involvement in eyes primarily enucleated for retinoblastoma

PURPOSE

To correlate the histologic and magnetic resonance imaging results of the optic nerve in eyes primarily enucleated for retinoblastoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective, clinicopathologic correlation.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-seven consecutive patients with retinoblastoma who underwent primary enucleation.

METHODS

The histologic results of 67 eyes from 67 patients with retinoblastoma who underwent primary enucleation between March 1997 and January 2008 were studied for evidence of optic nerve invasion. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed available preoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies with special emphasis on nonenhanced T2-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted imaging for evidence of optic nerve invasion. A weighted kappa statistic was used to assess agreement between observers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Correlation between neuroradiologists and histologic results.

RESULTS

Of the 67 eyes studied, 60 had preoperative magnetic resonance images, 58 of which were deemed appropriate for review by both neuroradiologists. Review of the histologic results showed optic nerve involvement in 62 (93%) of 67 eyes: 28 prelaminar (42%), 24 laminar (36%), and 10 postlaminar (15%). On review of the magnetic resonance scans, the first neuroradiologist identified optic nerve involvement in 57 (95%) of 60 eyes: 26 prelaminar (43%), 10 laminar (17%), and 11 postlaminar (18%). The second neuroradiologist identified optic nerve involvement in 46 (77%) of 60 eyes: 33 prelaminar (55%), 9 laminar (15%), and 4 postlaminar (7%). Moderate agreement existed between neuroradiologists (kappa, 0.55). Poor and fair agreement existed between each of the 2 neuroradiologists and histologic results, respectively (kappa, 0.29 and 0.17). Exophytic tumors showed the greatest disparity (kappa, -0.20 and -0.13) between magnetic resonance imaging and histologic results.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited correlation was found between magnetic resonance imaging and histologic results in assessing optic nerve invasion in eyes with retinoblastoma. Magnetic resonance imaging using routine imaging technologies, although useful in the evaluation of retinoblastoma, has limited usefulness in assessing the exact extent of optic nerve invasion; high-risk features of retinoblastoma such as postlaminar invasion remain best defined by histologic analysis. This study demonstrates that the interpretation of optic nerve involvement by a radiologist should not be the determining factor to defer enucleation in favor of neoadjuvant therapy.

Development of retinoblastoma programs in Central America

BACKGROUND

Retinoblastoma, a curable eye tumor, is associated with poor survival in Central America (CA). To develop a retinoblastoma program in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, twinning initiatives were undertaken between local pediatric oncology centers, nonprofit foundations, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the University of Tennessee Hamilton Eye Institute.

PROCEDURE

The retinoblastoma program focused on developing early diagnosis programs in Honduras with national vaccination campaigns, developing treatment protocols suited to local conditions, building local networks of oncologists and ophthalmologists, training local healthcare providers, using modern donated equipment for diagnosis and treatment, and the ORBIS Cybersight consultation program and Internet meetings to further education and share expertise. Pediatric ophthalmologists and oncologists worked with foundations to treat patients locally with donated equipment and Internet consultations, or at the center in Guatemala.

RESULTS

Number of patients successfully treated increased after the program was introduced. For 2000-2003 and 2004-2007, patients abandoning/refusing treatment decreased in Guatemala from 20 of 95 (21%) to 14 of 123 (11%) and in Honduras from 13 of 37 (35%) to 7 of 37 (19%). Survival in El Salvador was good and abandonment/refusal low for both periods. Of 18 patients receiving focal therapy for advanced disease, 14 have single remaining eyes.

CONCLUSION

Development of the program in CA has decreased abandonment/refusal and enabled ophthalmologists at local centers to use modern equipment to provide better treatment. This approach might serve as a guide for developing other multispecialty programs.

An unusual case of retinoblastoma

The authors describe the treatment and complications of a case of retinoblastoma with an atypical presentation. A 20-month-old girl was diagnosed as having unilateral retinoblastoma by cytopathology during pars plana vitrectomy and the right eye was enucleated. Following the enucleation, computed tomography detected a questionable focus of retinoblastoma in the residual optic nerve. Exploration of the orbit and sampling of the optic nerve stump had to be performed because the enucleated globe was lost. Histopathology of the optic nerve stump showed granulation tissue and fibrosis but no evidence of retinoblastoma. Histopathology of the enucleated globe and transected optic nerve is the gold standard for staging retinoblastoma and formulating a treatment plan. Treatment of the patient with retinoblastoma becomes more complex when histopathologic findings are not available.

Predictive factors of invasion in eyes with retinoblastoma enucleated after eye salvage treatments

BACKGROUND

The impact of chemotherapy, focal therapies, radiation and co-existing ocular morbidities on histology of eyes with retinoblastoma enucleated following chemoreduction is not well known.

PROCEDURE

Twenty-five eyes (23 patients) with retinoblastoma enucleated after failing eye-salvage therapy were evaluated. Reasons for enucleation (tumor progression, subretinal or vitreous seeds) and co-morbid conditions (neovascular glaucoma, cataract, vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment) were documented. All specimens were reviewed for evidence of ciliary body, choroidal, optic nerve, and scleral invasion.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 14 months (range, 1-37 months). Twenty eyes were classified as Reese-Ellsworth Group IV-V at diagnosis. Twenty-four eyes had recurrent disease at enucleation; one eye was enucleated for neovascular glaucoma and vitreous hemorrhage. Co-existing ocular morbidities at enucleation included vitreous hemorrhage (n = 6), retinal detachment (n = 9), neovascular glaucoma (n = 9) and cataracts (n = 3). Histologic findings included choroidal invasion (n = 7), ciliary body invasion (n = 4), optic nerve invasion (n = 6) and scleral invasion (n = 3). The median time from diagnosis to enucleation was 11 months. Co-existing retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage significantly increased the likelihood of optic nerve invasion (P = 0.014 and P = 0.011, respectively). Prolonged time to enucleation was significantly associated with the likelihood of choroidal (P = 0.010) and ciliary body (P = 0.021) invasion as well as invasion of multiple sites.

CONCLUSION

In eyes with retinoblastoma enucleated after chemoreduction, co-existing ocular morbidities and time to enucleation are predictive of extra-retinal extension.

Retinoblastoma: one world, one vision

Retinoblastoma is curable when diagnosed early and treated appropriately; however, the prognosis is dismal when the basic elements of diagnosis and treatment are lacking. In developing countries, poor education, lower socioeconomic conditions, and inefficient health care systems result in delayed diagnosis and suboptimal care. Furthermore, the complexity of multidisciplinary care required is seldom possible. Whereas ocular salvage is a priority in the Western world, death from retinoblastoma is still a major problem in developing countries. To bring the 2 ends of this spectrum together and provide a forum for discussion, the "One World, One Vision" symposium was organized, at which clinicians and researchers from various cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds converged to discuss their experiences. Strategies for early diagnosis in developing countries were discussed. Elements of the development of retinoblastoma centers in developing countries were discussed, and examples of successful programs were highlighted. An important component in this process is twinning between centers in developing countries and mentor institutions in high-income countries. Global initiatives by nongovernmental organizations such as the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research, Orbis International, and the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness were presented. Treatment of retinoblastoma in developing countries remains a challenge; however, it is possible to coordinate efforts at multiple levels, including public administrations and nonprofit organizations, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma and to improve the outcome for these children.

Team management, twinning, and telemedicine in retinoblastoma: a 3-tier approach implemented in the first eye salvage program in Jordan

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the outcome of retinoblastoma patients, when employing a telemedicine-based twinning program in Jordan.

PROCEDURE

This cohort study included patients at the King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC; Amman, Jordan) who received consultations for retinoblastoma from March 2003 to September 2006. A collaborative program was established with the International Outreach Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Cases were discussed using an Internet consultation service where fundus images, clinical history, and proposed treatment were reviewed. Selected cases were further discussed via videoconferencing and electronic mail.

RESULTS

Thirty-three children with retinoblastoma (20 bilateral) were treated at KHCC. The median age at diagnosis was 7 months for patients with bilateral retinoblastoma and 35 months for patients with unilateral retinoblastoma. Of the 20 patients with bilateral disease, 12 were newly diagnosed and 8 had received prior treatment. Our success in the bilateral cases was most evident in the previously untreated group, in which only six eyes (25%) were enucleated and four eyes (17%) were irradiated. Of the 13 patients with unilateral retinoblastoma, 12 underwent enucleation, and 6 required radiation. Neither group experienced mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Twinning has positively impacted survival and ocular salvage in Jordan. By partnering a team of professionals with mentors willing to provide close supervision, the highly specialized management of retinoblastoma can be successfully implemented in a developing country.

Treatment of retinoblastoma: Current status and future perspectives

Treatment of retinoblastoma must be individualized. Most patients with unilateral, non-metastatic retinoblastoma can be cured with enucleation alone. In patients with histologic risk factors, adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended, with the addition of orbital radiation for patients with trans-scleral involvement or tumor present at the level of the cut end of the optic nerve. Patients with metastases require intensive chemotherapy and consolidation with autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue. Patients with bilateral or multifocal disease represent a major challenge. Cure of the disease is the first priority, but the therapeutic approach also has to consider eye and vision preservation. The approach is conservative, and only eyes with very advanced disease are enucleated upfront. Patients are treated with chemotherapy and intensive focal treatments, with the aim of delaying or avoiding radiation therapy and enucleation. For patients with early intraocular stage (Reese-Ellsworth groups I-III and International Groups A-B), the two-drug combination of vincristine and carboplatin is recommended. Patients with more advanced intraocular disease (Reese-Ellsworth groups IV-V and International Groups C-D) require more intensive chemotherapy. Standard of care for these patients incorporates etoposide into the regimen. Effective agents with good intraocular penetration, such as topotecan, are being investigated. Because most failures are secondary to progression of the vitreous seeds, subconjunctival carboplatin is added in cases with poor response of the vitreous tumors. Patients must be monitored very closely, with examinations under anesthesia every 4 to 6 weeks, and focal treatments are applied during the procedure. These include cryotherapy for small anterior tumors, thermotherapy and laser photocoagulation for small posterior tumors, and brachytherapy for larger tumors. New treatment approaches under development include the refinement of periocular chemotherapy administration using slow-release devices, the use of suicide gene therapy with local delivery of the herpes simplex thyrosine kinase gene (followed by systemic administration of ganciclovir), and the development of small-molecule inhibitors of the MDMX-p53 interaction.

Incidence of New Tumor Formation in Patients with Hereditary Retinoblastoma Treated with Primary Systemic Chemotherapy: Is There a Preventive Effect?

PURPOSE

To report the incidence of new tumor formation in hereditary retinoblastoma patients treated with primary systemic chemotherapy.

DESIGN

Noncomparative retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-eight consecutive patients with hereditary retinoblastoma treated with primary systemic chemotherapy.

METHODS

The charts of 58 consecutive patients with hereditary retinoblastoma treated between January 1996 and August 2005 were reviewed. Data extracted included gender, age at diagnosis, family history of retinoblastoma, laterality of disease, tumors per eye, Reese-Ellsworth grouping of affected eyes, starting and ending dates for chemotherapy, number of cycles of chemotherapy, chemotherapy regimen, need for external beam radiotherapy and/or enucleation, and development and location (macula, midzone, and periphery) of new tumors after the start of systemic chemotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

New tumor formation after treatment with primary systemic chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Of the 58 patients, 48 had bilateral involvement at diagnosis. Median age at diagnosis was 6.6 months. Thirteen patients had a positive family history. Of the eyes with tumor (n = 106) at diagnosis, 52 (49%) were in Reese-Ellsworth groups I to III, whereas 54 (51%) were in group IV or V. Seven patients (12%) with a median age of 1.6 months at diagnosis formed 36 new tumors in 11 eyes after the start of chemotherapy. Median time from initiation of chemotherapy to detection of the first new tumor was 3 months (range, 1-15). Cumulative incidence of new tumor formation at 2 years was 10+/-3%. An age of <6 months at diagnosis, family history of retinoblastoma, and Reese-Ellsworth grouping of I to III were found to correlate significantly with an increased incidence of new tumor formation (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P = 0.021, respectively). Median follow-up for all patients was 5 years (range, 1-10.1).

CONCLUSION

New tumors continue to form in patients with hereditary retinoblastoma despite treatment with primary systemic chemotherapy. Younger patients and those with a positive family history are more likely to have new tumors formed. However, chemotherapy may impact small previously undetected lesions by slowing their growth and facilitating later focal consolidation.

Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide and Interferon Alfa 2a for the Treatment of Capillary Hemangioma of the Orbit

PURPOSE

To report the use of a combination of low-dose cyclophosphamide and interferon alfa 2a (IFNalpha2a) for the treatment of orbital juvenile capillary hemangioma.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Five patients with juvenile capillary hemangiomas of the orbit.

METHODS

Five patients with a median age of 9 weeks presented with a rapidly enlarging orbital mass. Two patients also had involvement of the upper eyelid obstructing the visual axis. Patients underwent biopsy to confirm the diagnosis before starting combination therapy with low-dose oral cyclophosphamide (10 mg/kg per day for 3 days repeated every 2 weeks) and subcutaneous IFNalpha2a (3 million units/m2 per day once daily) for a maximum treatment time of 4 to 6 months. Patients underwent serial ophthalmic, hematologic, and neurologic evaluations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Regression of lesions after combination therapy.

RESULTS

Four of 5 patients had marked regression of the hemangioma by 40% to 60% with subsequent reduction in proptosis, corneal exposure, and obstruction of the visual axis. None of the 4 patients developed amblyopia. Side effects included mild neutropenia and uncomplicated infections. There was no neurologic toxicity after a median follow-up of 10 months. One patient failed to respond to treatment and required further treatment with intralesional steroid injections.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of low-dose cyclophosphamide with IFNalpha2a for a short period of time induced early and lasting regression of orbital juvenile capillary hemangiomas with minimal side effects. This regimen may be a suitable alternative that avoids the toxicity of long-term administration of interferon only. However, the experience reported here does not show if cyclophosphamide alone may be sufficient and allow complete avoidance of interferon and its potential serious side effects, and longer follow-up is needed to determine if cyclophosphamide causes any long-term harm.

Clinical and imaging characteristics of orbital leukemic tumors

PURPOSE

To characterize the clinical and imaging features of orbital leukemic tumors in 27 patients seen and treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on the clinical and imaging records of 27 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of orbital leukemic tumors. The following data were extracted from the patients' records: age at diagnosis of orbital leukemic tumors, sex, race, national origin, type of leukemia, temporal relationship of orbital disease to diagnosis of leukemia, survival from diagnosis of orbital leukemic tumor, laterality of the orbital disease, location of the mass within the orbit, imaging features of the mass, chemotherapeutic protocol, treatment with bone marrow transplant, and orbital radiation.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis of orbital leukemic tumor was 8 years (range, 1-18 years). Nineteen of the 27 patients were male, and 21 patients were born and lived in the United States. Twenty-one patients had acute myeloid leukemia, five had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and one had chronic myelogenous leukemia. In 85% of patients (n = 23), the diagnosis of leukemia was based on the bone marrow examination findings. Orbital imaging revealed homogenous masses that molded to one or more orbital walls without bony destruction. Nine patients had bilateral orbital involvement. All patients received multiagent systemic chemotherapy, and 14 underwent bone marrow transplantation. Five patients received external beam radiation for the treatment of orbital disease. Fifteen (55.6%) of the 27 patients were alive at the time of the study. The median survival for all patients was 4.75 years (range, 0.1-24 years) after the diagnosis of orbital disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital leukemic tumors occur most commonly in the first decade of life, in association with acute myeloid leukemia. They appear as homogenous masses along the orbital walls. Although the overall survival rate for patients with leukemia has improved over the past 3 decades, the mortality of patients who develop orbital leukemic tumors remains high.

Orbital and eyelid manifestations of xanthogranulomatous diseases

Erdheim-Chester disease, adult periocular xanthogranuloma, juvenile xanthogranuloma, and necrobiotic xanthogranuloma are presumed to be separate disease entities, but they are often confused clinically because of their similar presentations and histopathology. To further describe the xanthogranulomatous diseases and to identify possible pitfalls in their diagnoses, we retrospectively reviewed charts from 1998 to 2001 for all patients with biopsy-proven xanthogranulomatous process of the eyelid and/or orbit. We found 2 patients diagnosed with adult periocular xanthogranuloma and 1 with Erdheim-Chester disease, each case initially misdiagnosed. Careful review of the clinical manifestations, histopathological review of all previous biopsy specimens, and repeat biopsy aided in the correct diagnosis and management of disease in these 3 patients.

Socioeconomic impact of modern multidisciplinary management of retinoblastoma

OBJECTIVE

Our objective for this study was to examine the impact of the modern management of intraocular retinoblastoma on the patient and the family.

METHODS

This study comprises a retrospective, noncomparative case series of 25 consecutive patients with multifocal, intraocular retinoblastoma that was treated with primary systemic chemotherapy. Medical charts were reviewed, and the following data were extracted: patients' age and gender, laterality of disease, and Reese-Ellsworth classification of each eye as well as the number of central venous lines placed, cycles of chemotherapy received, outpatient appointments, examinations under anesthesia, focal therapies administered, computed tomography/MRI, radiation treatments, anesthetic procedures administered, and miles traveled.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with bilateral and 5 with unilateral intraocular retinoblastoma (median age: 9.3 months) had 895 outpatient appointments and underwent 698 examinations under anesthesia with 230 focal therapies, 347 days of radiotherapy, 226 computed tomography scans/MRIs, and 38 central venous line placements. A total of 1272 anesthetic procedures (median: 50) were performed with no major complication. In all, patients traveled 822312 miles (median: 22214 miles) to receive their care. The median follow-up was 82 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful retinoblastoma management requires close surveillance, aggressive consolidation, and numerous anesthetic procedures, all of which the patients and the families must endure. There is a significant impact on the patient, the family, and hospital resources.

Indications for Orbital Exenteration in Mucormycosis

PURPOSE

To determine whether evidence-based standards exist regarding the indications for orbital exenteration in patients with orbital mucormycosis.

METHODS

A literature review was performed of 113 articles (1943 to 2004). Factors possibly related to patient survival were analyzed. Additionally, a survey was sent to all ASOPRS Fellowship Preceptors to ascertain the frequency, outcome, treatment modalities, and indications for exenteration by these practicing physicians.

RESULTS

For published cases, parameter estimates (PE <or= 1.00) indicated that patients with mucormycosis with age >46 years, frontal sinus involvement, and fever were less likely to survive compared with patients without these conditions. Patients treated with amphotericin B (OR, 4.476) and those with diabetes (OR, 4.987) were more likely to survive compared with patients without these conditions. Exenterated patients with fever were more likely to survive compared with nonexenterated patients with fever (P=0.0468). Thirty-four ASOPRS Fellowship Preceptors received surveys; 26 (76%) completed the survey. Responses to specific survey questions showed a varied experience and indication for exenteration throughout the country.

CONCLUSIONS

: Our study underscores the lack of adequate data regarding the evaluation of treatment of orbital mucormycosis. No standard of care currently exists to guide physicians on when exenteration may benefit a mucormycosis patient. Further study is needed to determine which variables indicate the extent of disease and which variables or analytic scheme might predict the progression of orbital mucormycosis with or without exenteration.

Effect on ocular survival of adding early intensive focal treatments to a two-drug chemotherapy regimen in patients with retinoblastoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate vincristine and carboplatin with intensive focal treatments in the management of intraocular retinoblastoma.

DESIGN

Noncomparative, retrospective interventional case series.

METHODS

SETTING

Institutional.

PATIENT POPULATION

Sixteen patients (11 bilateral, 5 unilateral) with intraocular retinoblastoma. Interventional procedures: Patients were treated with eight courses of vincristine and carboplatin. Intensive focal treatments were administered after two courses of chemotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Avoidance of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and eye survival.

RESULTS

Twenty eyes (74.1%) were classified as Reese-Ellsworth Group V. All eyes responded to chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 23 months (range 10 to 33 months) and a median of 5.5 focal treatments per eye (range 0 to 19 treatments), ocular survival was 81%. Eight eyes (30%) in five patients received EBRT.

CONCLUSIONS

Vincristine and carboplatin combined with intensive focal treatments is an effective regimen for patients with intraocular retinoblastoma. This treatment regimen has outcomes comparable to those of more toxic regimens and merits further evaluation.

Bloody Tears of Unknown Cause

PURPOSE

To report 4 cases of recurrent unilateral bloody tears.

METHODS

Retrospective case series.

RESULTS

One boy and 3 girls, ranging in age from 6 to 14 years, reported spontaneous bloody tearing. Workup included probing and irrigation of the nasolacrimal system, blood and coagulation profiles, blood typing, serum hormone levels, conjunctival biopsy, and imaging. All findings were normal and failed to suggest a cause in any of the cases. In all patients, bloody tearing eventually resolved without further sequela. No recurrence has been reported over a follow-up period of 9 months to 11 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Bloody tearing is an unusual clinical entity that concerns patients and can perplex physicians. A thorough examination and proper workup are necessary to rule out serious conditions but may fail to determine a cause. These idiopathic cases typically resolve without treatment.

Infliximab in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Idiopathic Orbital Inflammation

A 15-year-old boy had bilateral idiopathic orbital inflammation refractory to treatment with corticosteroids. He was not only unresponsive to subsequent therapy with methotrexate but also had elevation of serum liver enzymes. In an attempt to minimize further side effects of corticosteroids and to avoid external beam radiation in an adolescent, we began treatment with infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis-alpha antibody. His symptoms resolved and his disease has not recurred. Use of infliximab may be useful in the treatment of recalcitrant idiopathic orbital pseudotumor.

Episcleral plaque brachytherapy for retinoblastoma

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to report our experience using episcleral plaque brachytherapy (EPBRT) to treat retinoblastoma and to demonstrate its applicability in multimodality treatment.

PROCEDURE

We treated 26 tumors in 25 eyes from a group of 21 children with unilateral (n = 4) or bilateral (n = 17) retinoblastoma. The group comprised 8 girls and 13 boys; the median age was 25 months (range: 2-64 months) at the time of EPBRT. Iodine-125 ((125)I) was used for all applications. The median dose was 44 Gy (range: 35-47.6 Gy). EPBRT was administered primarily at the time of relapse after primary chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

RESULTS

For eyes treated with EPBRT, the eye preservation rate was 15/25 with a median follow-up of 47 months (range: 2-198 months); the lesion control rate was 25/26 with a median follow-up of 13 months (range: 1-140 months). The median time to additional whole-eye treatment after EPBRT was 12 months (range: 2-105 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to previously reported series, EPBRT shows a high rate of successful tumor control as a primary treatment for retinoblastoma, as well as a secondary therapy at the time of relapse. EPBRT also allows for a clinically significant delay in the time to additional measures for the affected eye. Therefore, EPBRT should be considered as a form of local ophthalmic therapy that avoids or delays the use of external-beam radiotherapy, especially for patients primarily treated with chemotherapy who might require consolidation therapy.

Retained intraorbital metallic foreign bodies

PURPOSE

To document the biological tolerance of retained metallic orbital foreign bodies managed with conservative treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 43 patients treated between 1987 and 1993 with retained intraorbital metallic foreign bodies was performed. Age, sex, injury, imaging studies obtained, location of the foreign body, initial and final visual acuity, length of follow-up, treatment, and related adverse reactions and/or complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Fifty cases involving 34 male and 9 female patients ranging in age from 2 through 63 years (median, 25 years) were included. Seventeen cases were the result of gunshot wounds, 17 were from BB gun injuries, and 16 cases were from shotgun injuries. Forty-two patients had CT scans to assess the injury and one patient had plain radiographs. In 37 cases, the metallic foreign bodies were located posterior to the globe. There were 19 ocular penetrating injuries, 11 ocular contusion injuries (sclopetaria, commotio retinae, vitreous hemorrhages), and 20 injuries with no ocular involvement. Initial visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to no light perception, as did final visual acuity. The metallic foreign bodies were retained from 6 months to 68 years (median, 2 years). There were 19 ocular penetrating injuries, including 12 enucleations and 7 primary repairs. When contusion injuries were sustained, treatment consisted of vitrectomy for the removal of persistent hemorrhages (3 cases), exploration of the globe (1 case), and nonsurgical treatment (7 cases). Among the 20 cases with no ocular involvement, only 2 patients had secondary complications that required surgical intervention: One had mechanical strabismus, the other a sterile abscess. Visual acuity remained stable or improved in all cases. There were no late complications from the retained foreign bodies in 36 (95%) of 38 cases when the eye remained intact.

CONCLUSIONS

Retained intraorbital metallic foreign bodies are well-tolerated and typically have minimal adverse visual prognosis. They should be managed conservatively in the absence of specific indications for removal.

Manifestations of Fungal Cellulitis of the Orbit in Children with Neutropenia and Fever

PURPOSE

To delineate clinical manifestations of fungal orbital cellulitis in immunocompromized patients.

METHODS

The charts of 7 pediatric patients with fungal orbital cellulitis treated at a tertiary children's cancer hospital were reviewed retrospectively for histologically confirmed fungal sinusitis with associated orbital cellulitis. Patients underwent CT and/or MRI of the orbits, sinuses, and brain; surgery; and therapy with antifungal medications. Main outcome measures were presenting signs and patient survival.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with fungal sinusitis were identified, 7 of whom (4 months to 15 years of age) had documented orbital fungal cellulitis. All 7 patients presented with neutropenia and fever. Presenting symptoms included edema of the upper eyelid (n=4), headache (n=1), and facial pain (n=1). One patient was asymptomatic. Although antifungal therapy was initiated within 24 hours of presentation, disease progressed, and 5 patients eventually died of their infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Because fungal orbital cellulitis can be fatal even if detected early in patients who are immunocompromised, ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists should be alert to the disease's subtle clinical manifestations.

Primary pelvic telangiectatic osteosarcoma metastatic to both orbits

We report a case of a 23-year-old man with primary pelvic telangiectatic osteosarcoma metastatic to both orbits. The patient had proptosis with optic neuropathies and intermittent third nerve palsies. His disease was unresponsive to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and extensive craniofacial involvement precluded surgical resection. The patient died of his disease. Telangiectatic osteosarcoma, a rare variant of osteosarcoma that is distinguished by blood-filled cystic spaces, may metastasize to the orbit and skull base. Because telangiectatic osteosarcoma may radiographically resemble other benign and malignant lesions, biopsy is essential for accurate diagnosis that will ultimately dictate clinical therapy. However, patients with this disease have a poor prognosis.

Ophthalmic Injuries in Children Involved in All-Terrain Vehicle Crashes

PURPOSE

To describe the spectrum of ophthalmic injuries in children involved in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of a level 1 children's trauma center to identify cases with ICD-9 codes pertaining to crashes involving ATVs and cross-referenced for ophthalmic trauma. From these cases, we documented the nature of the crash, patient's age, ophthalmic injuries received, and length of hospitalization.

RESULTS

Twenty children, 5 to 16 years of age (mean, 11.1 years), involved in ATV crashes were admitted between June 1997 and April 2002. One was riding with an adult and 3 with other children; 16 were operating the vehicles alone at the time of their crashes. None was wearing a helmet, and all had head trauma. Nine patients had ophthalmic injuries, including lacerations of the eyelid (n = 5), orbital fractures (n = 9), and traumatic optic neuropathies (n = 2). The latter two had final visual acuities of count fingers and no light perception. The average length of hospitalization was 6.6 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Ophthalmic trauma is a frequent complication of ATV crashes involving children. Injuries may range from minor lacerations to complex orbital fractures; visual loss may be severe. We believe that the age of the vehicles' operators and their failure to wear protective helmets contribute to the severity of injuries.

Primary perineal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma metastatic to an extraocular muscle

A 17-year-old boy diagnosed with an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma involving the perineum and with extensive lymphadenopathy was treated with chemotherapy yet developed metastases to the head and neck 6 months into therapy. Ten months after initial diagnosis, while receiving salvage chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he returned with pain on movement of his left eye, proptosis, and ptosis of the left upper eyelid. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass within the left lateral rectus muscle that biopsy confirmed to be metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Despite continued chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he ultimately died of the disease. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma from distant sites rarely metastasizes to the extraocular muscles. However, our case shows that alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma may metastasize to the orbit and involve a single muscle.

Orbital inflammatory syndromes with systemic involvement may mimic metastatic disease

Physical examination of a 9-year-old girl with a 2-month history of swelling of the left orbit demonstrated an orbital mass, blepharoptosis, and proptosis. Computed tomography revealed a 2 x 3-cm mass in the superior left orbit that expanded orbital dimensions. Radiography showed abnormalities in the parietal and frontal bones and distal right tibia. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an 8.5-cm abnormality of the marrow space of the right mid-tibia. Bone marrow biopsy was unremarkable. Orbital and tibial biopsies showed a nonspecific chronic inflammation. Idiopathic inflammation that involves the orbit (orbital pseudotumor) and that has systemic manifestations may mimic more serious conditions, such as metastases from rhabdomyosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), and SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis). Accurate diagnosis requires careful clinical and pathologic examinations.

Treatment of metastatic retinoblastoma

PURPOSE

The risk for death in patients with retinoblastoma is increased in those who present with metastatic disease, and the role of intensive chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue in these patients remains unclear.

DESIGN

Nonrandomized interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Four consecutive patients with metastatic retinoblastoma.

METHODS

We treated four patients with retinoblastoma metastatic to the bone and bone marrow with intensive chemotherapy, consolidation with megatherapy, and autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue. Chemotherapy included courses of carboplatin and etoposide alternating with cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and either carboplatin or cisplatin. Radiation therapy was delivered to areas of bone metastases.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient survival.

RESULTS

All patients completed and responded to the scheduled therapy; complete response of the bone marrow disease was documented after two courses of chemotherapy in all cases. Two patients are long-term survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment described has been successful in obtaining disease-free survival in patients with metastatic retinoblastoma.

Treatment of intraocular retinoblastoma with vincristine and carboplatin

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of chemoreduction using vincristine and carboplatin in preventing or delaying external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or enucleation in patients with intraocular retinoblastoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients (43 eyes) with newly diagnosed intraocular retinoblastoma received primary treatment with eight courses of vincristine and carboplatin. Focal treatments were delayed until documentation of disease progression. Outcome measures for each eye were length of time to disease progression, avoidance or delay of EBRT, and globe survival. Event-free survival was defined as the length of time to EBRT or enucleation.

RESULTS

Disease in all eyes responded to chemotherapy and progressed in only two patients before completion of the eight courses of therapy. Disease in all but four eyes progressed and required focal treatments. Event-free survival estimates at 2 years were 59.2% +/- 12.0% for Reese-Ellsworth group I, II, and III eyes and 26.3% +/- 9.2% for group IV and V eyes. Nineteen eyes (44.2%) required EBRT and 13 eyes (30.2%) were enucleated. The ocular salvage rate was 83.3% for Reese-Ellsworth group I to III eyes and 52.6% for group IV and V eyes. For those patients receiving EBRT, the median time from enrollment to EBRT was 9.5 months (median age at EBRT, 21 months).

CONCLUSION

In combination with appropriate early intensive focal treatments, chemoreduction with vincristine and carboplatin, without etoposide, may be an alternative treatment for patients with early-stage intraocular retinoblastoma, although additional studies are needed. Patients with advanced intraocular disease require more aggressive treatments.

Clinical and pathological features of intracranial chordoma with orbital involvement in a child

We examined a 44-month-old girl with proptosis of the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a dumbbell-shaped mass involving the cavernous sinus with orbital extension. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry showed the tumor to be a primitive chordoma. Intracranial chordoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with orbital lesions. Immunohistochemistry is helpful in differentiating chordomas from other primitive round-cell or spindle-cell tumors.

Occult orbital neuroblastoma detected after administration of an antitumor vaccine

A 6-year-old girl with neuroblastoma developed swelling and erythema of her right upper eyelid following administration of an interleukin-2 and lymphotactin gene-modified allogeneic neuroblastoma cell vaccine. Computed tomography demonstrated a cystic lesion in the subperiosteal space. A biopsy of the mass showed necrotic neuroblastoma with minimal associated inflammation. To our knowledge, this case represents the first description of occult orbital metastases in a patient with neuroblastoma detected after administration of an antitumor vaccine.

Conjunctival mycosis masquerading as melanoma

PURPOSE

To report a patient with a melanotic lesion of the conjunctiva that mimicked melanoma but proved to be a fungal infection on biopsy.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

A 75-year-old white man was examined for a 3-month history of a deeply pigmented lesion of the conjunctiva at the limbus of the right eye that closely resembled conjunctival melanoma. The lesion was completely excised.

RESULTS

Histologic examination revealed fungal elements without evidence of tumor.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, fungi should be included in the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions of the conjunctiva.