Epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy (ERED) from the splice site altering COL17A1 variant c.3156C>T in families of Finnish-Swedish ancestry

PURPOSE

To describe four Finnish families with epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy (ERED) caused by the pathogenic variant c.3156C>T in collagen type XVII alpha 1 chain gene (COL17A1).

METHODS

Eleven affected and two unaffected individuals underwent clinical ophthalmological examination, anterior segment photography, and corneal topography. Two of them underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Genetic analysis included both next-generation and Sanger sequencing. Specimens from the manual keratectomy of one patient were available for ophthalmic pathologic examination, including immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The common splice-site altering synonymous variant c.3156C > T, p.(Gly1052=) in COL17A1 was confirmed in 15 individuals with ERED from the four families. Subepithelial corneal scarring grades varied and increased with age, leading to decreased best-corrected visual acuity. PTK improved vision in 58- and 67-year-old individuals without reactivating the disease. The keratectomy specimens showed an uneven epithelium and a spectrum of basement membrane abnormalities, including breaks, fragmentation, multiplication and entrapment within the subepithelial scar, reflecting recurrent erosions. The stromal cells consisted of varying proportions of bland and activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, reflecting different ages of scars. The family with the largest number of known affected generations originated from Southern Sweden.

CONCLUSION

The phenotype in the Finnish ERED families is consistent with earlier reports of the c.3156C > T variant, although the severity has varied between reports. The phenotype may be modulated by other genes. This study suggests a likely founder effect of the variant in both Finnish and Swedish populations due to their shared population histories. If vision is compromised, PTK can be considered especially in older patients.

Does Corneal Topography Using 3-Dimensional Optical Coherence Tomography Suggest Different Subtypes of Terrien Marginal Degeneration?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze corneal topography relative to astigmatism, higher order aberrations, and corneal curvatures in Terrien marginal degeneration using 3-dimensional anterior-segment optical coherence tomography.

METHODS

Twenty-nine eyes of 15 Finnish patients from a tertiary referral center had topographic axial power maps classified into 4 patterns by visual grading: crab claw (CC), mixed (M), arcuate (A), and normal. Regular astigmatism, keratometry, higher order aberrations, maximal corneal thinning, apex thickness, and curvature changes relative to best fit sphere toward maximal peripheral thinning were compared.

RESULTS

Four, 9, and 12 eyes were classified as CC, M, and A, respectively; 1 as normal with clinical disease; and 3 as normal with unilateral disease. Median follow-up was 2.3 (range, 0-7.2) years. Three eyes changed pattern. Patients with the CC pattern were the youngest when diagnosed, progressed more rapidly, exhibited cavities in superior quadrants with anterior bulging, and had greater higher order posterior aberrations. Patients with the M pattern were older, progressed slower, and showed superonasal asymmetric corneal steepening extending centrally, often with asymmetric bow tie. Patients with pattern A showed little progression and were the oldest when diagnosed, with maximal corneal thinning equally in all quadrants. According to the Wang classification, the median stage was 4, 2, and 2 in CC, M, and A patterns, respectively, whereas it was always 2 by the Süveges classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Terrien marginal degeneration is characterized by distinct corneal topographic patterns that differ in tomographic features, suggesting existence of subtypes in addition to different stages of disease. Patients representing CC and M patterns might benefit from more frequent monitoring.

IC3D Classification of Corneal Dystrophies-Edition 3

PURPOSE

The International Committee for the Classification of Corneal Dystrophies (IC3D) was created in 2005 to develop a new classification system integrating current information on phenotype, histopathology, and genetic analysis. This update is the third edition of the IC3D nomenclature.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed publications from 2014 to 2023 were evaluated. The new information was used to update the anatomic classification and each of the 22 standardized templates including the level of evidence for being a corneal dystrophy [from category 1 (most evidence) to category 4 (least evidence)].

RESULTS

Epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophies now include epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy, category 1 ( COL17A1 mutations, chromosome 10). Signs and symptoms are similar to Franceschetti corneal dystrophy, dystrophia Smolandiensis, and dystrophia Helsinglandica, category 4. Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy, previously reported as X-linked, has been discovered to be autosomal dominant ( MCOLN1 mutations, chromosome 19). Classic lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) results from TGFBI R124C mutation. The LCD variant group has over 80 dystrophies with non-R124C TGFBI mutations, amyloid deposition, and often similar phenotypes to classic LCD. We propose a new nomenclature for specific LCD pathogenic variants by appending the mutation using 1-letter amino acid abbreviations to LCD. Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophies include category 1, autosomal dominant, punctiform and polychromatic pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy (PPPCD) ( PRDX3 mutations, chromosome 10). Typically asymptomatic, it can be distinguished phenotypically from pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy, category 4. We include a corneal dystrophy management table.

CONCLUSIONS

The IC3D third edition provides a current summary of corneal dystrophy information. The article is available online at https://corneasociety.org/publications/ic3d .

The Pediatric and Young Adult Choroidal and Ciliary Body Melanoma Genetic Study, A Survey by the European Ophthalmic Oncology Group

Purpose

To explore the genetic background of choroidal and ciliary body melanoma among children and young adults, with special focus on BAP1 germline variants in this age group.

Methods

Patients under the age of 25 and with confirmed choroidal or ciliary body melanoma were included in this retrospective, multicenter observational study. Nuclear BAP1 immunopositivity was used to evaluate the presence of functional BAP1 in the tumor. Next-generation sequencing using Ion Torrent platform was used to determine pathogenic variants of BAP1, EIF1AX, SF3B1, GNAQ and GNA11 and chromosome 3 status in the tumor or in DNA extracted from blood or saliva. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis was 17 years (range 5.0-24.8). A germline BAP1 pathogenic variant was identified in an 18-year-old patient, and a somatic variant, based mainly on immunohistochemistry, in 13 (42%) of 31 available specimens. One tumor had a somatic SF3B1 pathogenic variant. Disomy 3 and the absence of a BAP1 pathogenic variant in the tumor predicted the longest metastasis-free survival. Males showed longer metastasis-free survival than females (P = 0.018).

Conclusions

We did not find a stronger-than-average BAP1 germline predisposition for choroidal and ciliary body melanoma among children and young adults compared to adults. Males had a more favorable survival and disomy 3, and the absence of a BAP1 mutation in the tumor tissue predicted the most favorable metastasis-free survival. A BAP1 germline pathogenic variant was identified in one patient (1%), and a somatic variant based mainly on immunohistochemistry in 13 (42%).

Functional assay for assessment of pathogenicity of BAP1 variants

BACKGROUND

Pathogenic germline variants in BRCA1-Associated Protein 1 (BAP1) cause BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS). Carriers run especially a risk of uveal (UM) and cutaneous melanoma, malignant mesothelioma, and clear cell renal carcinoma. Approximately half of increasingly reported BAP1 variants lack accurate classification. Correct interpretation of pathogenicity can improve prognosis of the patients through tumor screening with better understanding of BAP1-TPDS.

METHODS

We edited five rare BAP1 variants with differing functional characteristics identified from patients with UM in HAP1 cells using CRISPR-Cas9 and assayed their effect on cell adhesion/spreading (at 4 h) and proliferation (at 48 h), measured as cell index (CI), using xCELLigence real-time analysis system.

RESULTS

In BAP1 knockout HAP1 cultures, cell number was half of wild type (WT) cultures at 48 h (p = 0.00021), reaching confluence later, and CI was 78% reduced (p < 0.0001). BAP1-TPDS-associated null variants c.67+1G>T and c.1780_1781insT, and a likely pathogenic missense variant c.281A>G reduced adhesion (all p ≤ 0.015) and proliferation by 74%-83% (all p ≤ 0.032). Another likely pathogenic missense variant c.680G>A reduced both by at least 50% (all p ≤ 0.032), whereas cells edited with likely benign one c.1526C>T grew similarly to WT.

CONCLUSIONS

BAP1 is essential for optimal fitness of HAP1 cells. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic BAP1 variants reduced cell fitness, reflected in adhesion/spreading and proliferation properties. Further, moderate effects were quantifiable. Variant modelling in HAP1 with CRISPR-Cas9 enabled functional analysis of coding and non-coding region variants in an endogenous expression system.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid in northern latitudes, a 25-year experience in Finland

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence, clinical features, diagnostic challenges, management and prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid (ecSCC) in southern Finland, northern Europe, latitude 62° N.

METHODS

Patients were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Helsinki University Hospital databases during a 25-year period (1998-2022). Age, sex, location, clinical and histopathological diagnosis, treatment and outcome were retrieved.

RESULTS

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid (ecSCC) was diagnosed in 58 patients. The mean age-standardized incidence was 1.03 per 100 000. Median age at the time of histopathological diagnosis was 79 (range 55-93) years; sex ratio was 0.52. Clinical diagnosis in the referral was ecSCC in only three patients. The most frequent misdiagnosis (38%) was basal cell carcinoma (BCC). One or more of the known risk factors (smoking, history of extensive sun exposure, systemic immunosuppression and previous in situ cSCC/cSCC) were documented in 71% of the patients. More than one third (38%) of the patients developed in situ SCC elsewhere on the skin; one third (31%) of the patients had invasive cSCC elsewhere. During the median follow-up time of 24 months, three patients experienced local recurrence, four patients developed metastatic disease (median 19 months) and two patients died of metastatic ecSCC.

CONCLUSION

The estimated incidence of ecSCC in Finland (predominantly white Caucasian) was higher than in a previous study from Europe. Clinical diagnosis of ecSCC is difficult and often misdiagnosed as BCC. Immunosuppression as a risk factor should noticed. Recurrences of ecSCC, which may be lethal, were infrequent.

Pediatric ocular melanoma: a collaborative multicenter study and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate clinical manifestations and prognoses in pediatric patients (≤12 years old) with ocular melanoma.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, multicenter cohort study with individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis pooling available published cases, and unpublished cases from an international collaboration of seven ocular oncology centers.

RESULTS

There were 133 eyes of 133 pediatric patients with choroidal or ciliary body (n = 66 [50%]), iris (n = 33 [25%]), conjunctival (n = 26 [19%]), and eyelid (n = 8 [6%]) melanoma. Overall, the mean patient age at presentation was 7 years (median, 8; range, 1-12 years), with 63 males (49%). The mean age by tumor site was 6.50 ± 3.90, 7.44 ± 3.57, 9.12 ± 2.61, and 5.63 ± 2.38 years, for choroid/ciliary body, iris, conjunctiva, and eyelid melanoma, respectively (P = 0.001). Association with ocular melanocytosis was seen in 15%, 11%, 4%, and 0%, respectively (P = 0.01). Frequency of ocular melanoma family history did not vary by tumor site (7%, 17%, 9% and 12%, resp. [P = 0.26]). After mean follow-up of 74, 85, 50, and 105 months (P = 0.65), metastasis was seen in 12%, 9%, 19%, and 13% of choroid/ciliary body, iris, conjunctiva, and eyelid melanoma, respectively. Death was reported in 5%, 3%, 8%, and 0%, respectively, with survival analysis indicating higher mortality in choroidal/ciliary body and conjunctival melanoma patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular melanoma in the pediatric population is rare, with unique clinical features and outcomes. Iris melanoma accounts for about one-third of pediatric uveal melanoma cases.

Cataract surgical training in Europe: European Board of Ophthalmology survey

PURPOSE

To survey recently graduated European ophthalmologists concerning cataract surgery (CS) training opportunities.

SETTING

Countries affiliated to the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of anonymous survey results.

METHODS

A 23-question online survey was emailed to candidates who sat the EBO Diploma Examination as residents between 2018 and 2022.

RESULTS

821 ophthalmologists from 30 countries completed the survey. The mean residency duration was 4.73 (SD 0.9) years. The mean reported number of entire CS procedures performed was 80.7 (SD 100.6) at the end of residency, but more than 25% of respondents (n = 210) had received no live CS training during their residency. The self-confidence (scale, 1 to 10) to perform a simple case or challenging case, manage posterior capsular rupture, and realize a corneal stitch were rated 4.1, 3.2, 4.2, 2.4, respectively. We observed extensive variation in clinical exposure to CS and self-reported confidence to perform CS between European trainees. Females reported a mean of 18% fewer entire procedures than their male colleagues and were also less confident in their surgical skills (P < .05). Trainees in residency programs longer than 5 years performed fewer procedures and were less confident than trainees in residences of shorter duration (P < .001). The importance of fellowships to complete surgical education was rated 7.7 out of 10.

CONCLUSIONS

CS training across European countries lacks harmony. Female ophthalmology trainees continue, as in other specialties, to experience apparent gender bias. European level recommendations seem necessary to raise and harmonize competency-based CS training programs and promote post-residency fellowship training programs.

Analysis of glaucoma genes in Finnish patients with juvenile open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE

To identify germline variants in myocilin (MYOC) and other known monogenic glaucoma genes in Finnish patients with juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG).

METHODS

Finnish patients with JOAG treated between 2010 and 2018 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, were enrolled. We sequenced all exonic regions and flanking splice sites of MYOC for five patients and one healthy relative using Sanger sequencing. In 48 patients, we performed exome sequencing to identify variants also in 28 other glaucoma-related genes.

RESULTS

Fifty-three individuals with JOAG from 50 pedigrees, and one healthy relative, participated. The mean age at diagnosis was 30.8 years [SD 7.6; range 11 to 39]. Five probands had probably pathogenic variants in MYOC: c.1102C>T p.(Gln368Ter), c.1109C>T p.(Pro370Leu), c.1130C>T p.(Thr377Met), c.1132G>A p.(Asp378Asn) and c.1456C>T p.(Leu486Phe). Four of these patients had a family history of dominantly inherited JOAG. The frequency of MYOC variants was 10% (5 of 50 families). One patient and his mother with JOAG had a novel loss-of-function variant in the FOXC1 gene, c.366G>A p.(Trp122Ter). A patient with sporadic JOAG had a homozygous likely pathogenic variant in the LTBP2 gene, c.3938G>A p.(Cys1313Tyr). The genetic variants explained 14% (7 out of 50 families; 95% CI, 6%-23%) of JOAG in our cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of pathogenic variants in previously known glaucoma-associated genes is low in Finnish patients with JOAG. Because of the distinct genetic background of Finns, it might be possible to identify novel glaucoma genes through our JOAG series in the future.

Presumed incipient choroidal melanoma: proposed diagnostic criteria and management

AIMS

To propose diagnostic criteria for a presumed incipient choroidal melanoma based on tumour growth rate and tumour doubling time (TDT) and to describe management of such tumours with transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT).

METHODS

Retrospective interventional case series of nine consecutive presumed incipient uveal melanomas diagnosed and treated with TTT in 2010-2017. Growth rate in mm/year and per cent/year in largest basal diameter (LBD) and TDT were compared with published data for uveal melanomas and growing naevi that did not transform to melanoma under long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

The median LBD and thickness were 1.6 mm (range 0.9-2.3) and 0.20 mm (range 0.15-0.29), respectively. The median age was 57 years (range 47-78). Seven tumours were classified as de novo melanomas and two as transformed naevi. The median time from first observation to diagnosis was 3.3 years (range 2.2-7.3), LBD growth rate 0.25 mm/year (range 0.11-0.72) and 34 per cent/year (range 10-1437), and TDT 609 days (range 97-1612). The estimates matched those reported for uveal melanoma (median TDT 521 days, 90th percentile 2192) and exceeded those for growing naevi (median growth rate 0.04 mm/year, 90th percentile 0.12; 1.1 per cent/year, 90th percentile 2.6). The predicted median age at de novo appearance was 51 years (range 32-63). No tumour grew after TTT during a median follow-up of 2.1 years (range 0.6-8.7).

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, relative growth rate and TDT best qualified as diagnostic criteria for an incipient choroidal melanoma. Too small for brachytherapy, they could be managed with TTT.

Determinants of Long-Term Survival in Metastatic Choroidal and Ciliary Body Melanoma

PURPOSE

To build and validate a prognostic model that predicts long-term overall survival (OS) in metastatic choroidal and ciliary body melanoma (CCBM) to facilitate patient counseling and planning, reporting, and interpreting clinical trials.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study with validation.

METHODS

We analyzed predictors of intermediate (IMT; 25-<42 months) and long-term (LT; ≥42 months) OS in a Finnish nationwide cohort of 330 patients with metastatic CCBM. Short-term (<25 months), IMT, and LT survival were compared with pairwise and ordinal logistic regression. A single-center cohort of 259 patients from Italy was used for validation. Models were compared with a deviance test.

RESULTS

Median OS was 12 and 17 months in the building and validation datasets, respectively; 40 (12%) and 31 (9%) compared with 44 (17%) and 32 (12%) patients were IMT and LT survivors, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase or lactate dehydrogenase level never exceeded 2 times the upper normal limit (UNL) in either LT cohort. Conditional to both being ≤2 times the UNL, distant metastasis-free interval (DMFI) >42 months (odds ratio [OR] 4.09-4.64; P < .001) paired with age <60 years (OR 3.23; P = .002), having no symptoms (OR 4.19; P = .005), and the largest diameter of the largest metastasis <30 mm (Tumor, Node, Metastasis stage M1a; OR 3.05; P = .001) independently predicted higher odds of surviving longer (IMT or LT) without model preference. These results were confirmed in the validation dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

Alkaline phosphatase or lactate dehydrogenase >2 times the UNL essentially precluded LT survival. The most robust predictor otherwise was DMFI >42 months, followed by age <60 years, absence of symptoms, and Tumor, Node, Metastasis stage M1a.

Trends in Keratoplasty Procedures During 2 Decades in a Major Tertiary Referral Center in Finland: 1995 to 2015

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in number, age-adjusted frequency, and type of keratoplasty in a major tertiary referral center, relative to patient and graft characteristics.

METHODS

A retrospective registry study of 1574 patients who in 1995 to 2015 underwent keratoplasty in the Helsinki University Eye Hospital (HUEH). Graft type and sequence, patient characteristics, and date of surgery were recorded. Main outcome measures were annual number, type, and age-adjusted frequency of keratoplasty; patient and graft characteristics; graft procurement; and national population-adjusted frequency of keratoplasty.

RESULTS

In HUEH, from 1995 to 2015, a total of 2191 keratoplasties were performed with 48% of the grafts procured intramurally; 76% were primary and 24% regrafts. The age-adjusted frequency of primary penetrating keratoplasty decreased by 52% from 0.96 to 0.46 per 100,000. The corresponding frequency of primary Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty increased by 367% from 0.3 to 1.4 after 2006, finally accounting for 68% of primary grafts. Men underwent primary penetrating keratoplasty (median 48 vs. 67 yrs, P = 0.0001) and anterior lamellar keratoplasty (median 37 vs. 46 yrs, P = 0.0015) at a younger age than women. Interval to the first regraft was comparable between sexes (median 2.2 vs. 1.9 yrs, respectively, P = 0.17). The national median population-adjusted frequency of keratoplasties was 3.2 per 100,000 from 2009 to 2015, and HUEH accounted for a median of 69% of them.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased frequency of keratoplasty in HUEH resulted from rapid adoption of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty after 2006 and was facilitated by centralizing graft procurement to HUEH and the National Cell and Tissue Center Regea.

The Spectrum of Ocular Manifestations in Patients with Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia

PURPOSE

To investigate the ocular manifestations in 91 Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) patients.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational analysis.

RESULTS

Ocular impairments, detected in 19 patients, included flame-shaped hemorrhages, venous sausaging, papilledema, macular detachments, or central retinal vein occlusion in 16 patients; paraproteinemic keratopathy in 2; and a CANOMAD syndrome in 1. Best-corrected visual acuity was ≥0.5 logMAR units in 11 of 38 eyes. Intraocular pressure was increased in seven eyes. Genetic analysis in seven patients showed a mutation in the MYD88 gene in six patients and a nonsense mutation in the CXCR4 gene in five patients. Plasmapheresis followed by chemotherapy with or without the addition of rituximab resulted in improvement or normalization of the ophthalmological findings in 15 patients.

CONCLUSION

The ocular manifestations of WM are protean and potentially sight threatening. Recent advances in genomic profiling and chemotherapy have remarkably improved the hematological and ophthalmological outcomes of these patients.

Metastatic Death Based on Presenting Features and Treatment for Advanced Intraocular Retinoblastoma: A Multicenter Registry-Based Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate presenting features, tumor size, and treatment methods for risk of metastatic death due to advanced intraocular retinoblastoma (RB).

DESIGN

International, multicenter, registry-based retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1841 patients with advanced RB.

METHODS

Advanced RB was defined by 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) categories cT2 and cT3 and new AJCC-Ophthalmic Oncology Task Force (OOTF) Size Groups (1: < 50% of globe volume, 2: > 50% but < 2/3, 3: > 2/3, and 4: diffuse infiltrating RB). Treatments were primary enucleation, systemic chemotherapy with secondary enucleation, and systemic chemotherapy with eye salvage.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Metastatic death.

RESULTS

The 5-year Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival estimates by patient-level AJCC clinical subcategories were 98% for cT2a, 96% for cT2b, 88% for cT3a, 95% for cT3b, 92% for cT3c, 84% for cT3d, and 75% for cT3e RB. Survival estimates by treatment modality were 96% for primary enucleation, 89% for systemic chemotherapy and secondary enucleation, and 90% for systemic chemotherapy with eye salvage. Risk of metastatic mortality increased with increasing cT subcategory (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis confirmed a higher risk of metastatic mortality in categories cT3c (glaucoma, hazard ratio [HR], 4.9; P = 0.011), cT3d (intraocular hemorrhage, HR, 14.0; P < 0.001), and cT3e (orbital cellulitis, HR, 19.6; P < 0.001) than in category cT2a and with systemic chemotherapy with secondary enucleation (HR, 3.3; P < 0.001) and eye salvage (HR, 4.9; P < 0.001) than with primary enucleation. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival estimates by AJCC-OOTF Size Groups 1 to 4 were 99%, 96%, 94%, and 83%, respectively. Mortality from metastatic RB increased with increasing Size Group (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that patients with Size Group 3 (HR, 10.0; P = 0.002) and 4 (HR, 41.1; P < 0.001) had a greater risk of metastatic mortality than Size Group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The AJCC-RB cT2 and cT3 subcategories and size-based AJCC-OOTF Groups 3 (> 2/3 globe volume) and 4 (diffuse infiltrating RB) provided a robust stratification of clinical risk for metastatic death in advanced intraocular RB. Primary enucleation offered the highest survival rates for patients with advanced intraocular RB.

High-risk Pathologic Features Based on Presenting Findings in Advanced Intraocular Retinoblastoma: A Multicenter, International Data-Sharing American Joint Committee on Cancer Study

PURPOSE

To determine the value of clinical features for advanced intraocular retinoblastoma as defined by the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) cT3 category and AJCC Ophthalmic Oncology Task Force (OOTF) Size Groups to predict the high-risk pathologic features.

DESIGN

International, multicenter, registry-based retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighteen ophthalmic oncology centers from 13 countries over 6 continents shared evaluations of 942 eyes enucleated as primary treatment for AJCC cT3 and, for comparison, cT2 retinoblastoma.

METHODS

International, multicenter, registry-based data were pooled from patients enrolled between 2001 and 2013. High-risk pathologic features were defined as AJCC categories pT3 and pT4. In addition, AJCC OOTF Size Groups were defined as follows: (1) less than half, (2) more than half but less than two thirds, (3) more than two thirds of globe volume involved, and (4) diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Statistical risk of high-risk pathologic features corresponding to AJCC cT3 subcategories and AJCC OOTF Size Groups.

RESULTS

Of 942 retinoblastoma eyes treated by primary enucleation, 282 (30%) showed high-risk pathologic features. Both cT subcategories and AJCC OOTF Size Groups (P < 0.001 for both) were associated with high-risk pathologic features. On logistic regression analysis, cT3c (iris neovascularization with glaucoma), cT3d (intraocular hemorrhage), and cT3e (aseptic orbital cellulitis) were predictive factors for high-risk pathologic features when compared with cT2a with an odds ratio of 2.3 (P = 0.002), 2.5 (P = 0.002), and 3.3 (P = 0.019), respectively. Size Group 3 (more than two-thirds globe volume) and 4 (diffuse infiltrative retinoblastoma) were the best predictive factors with an odds ratio of 3.3 and 4.1 (P < 0.001 for both), respectively, for high-risk pathologic features when compared with Size Groups 1 (i.e., < 50% of globe volume).

CONCLUSIONS

The AJCC retinoblastoma staging clinical cT3c-e subcategories (glaucoma, intraocular hemorrhage, and aseptic orbital cellulitis, respectively) as well as the AJCC OOTF Size Groups 3 (tumor more than two thirds of globe volume) and 4 (diffuse infiltrative retinoblastoma) both allowed stratification of clinical risk factors that can be used to predict the presence of high-risk pathologic features and thus facilitate treatment decisions.

Clinical Spectrum and Geographic Distribution of Keratitis Fugax Hereditaria Caused by the Pathogenic Variant c.61G>C in NLRP3

PURPOSE

To chart clinical findings in individuals with keratitis fugax hereditaria (KFH) and the geographic distribution of their ancestors.

DESIGN

A prospective cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This study took place in a tertiary referral center with a cohort of 84 Finnish patients (55% female) from 25 families with the pathogenic nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) variant c.61G>C. Observation procedures and main outcome measures were Sanger sequencing, clinical examination, corneal imaging, and a questionnaire regarding symptoms, quality of life, treatment, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

The oldest members in each family were born in Ostrobothnia in Western Finland or in Southwestern Finland with historical ties to Sweden. One carrier was asymptomatic. Most (77%, 46/60) experienced their first attack between age 6 and 20 years. Three-quarters had unilateral attacks 3 to 5 times annually, primarily triggered by cold wind or air, or stress. Eighty percent (48/60) reported ocular pain (median, 7 on scale 1-10), conjunctival injection, photophobia, foreign body sensation, and tearing during attacks. Visual blur occurred in 75% (45/60) and 91% (55/60) during and after the attack, respectively, for a median of 10 days (range, 1 day-2 months). Forty-seven percent (39/60) had corneal oval opacities with irregular tomography patterns and mild to moderate decrease (20/60 or better) in best-corrected visual acuity that improved with scleral contact lenses. Except for headache in 40%, systemic symptoms were absent during the attacks.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms and signs of KFH are restricted to the anterior segment of the eye and vary widely between individuals. We recommend scleral contact lenses as the first-line treatment for reduced vision. Allele frequencies suggest that KFH goes unrecognized in Sweden and populations with Scandinavian heritage.

Outcome Measures of New Technologies in Uveal Melanoma: Review from the European Vision Institute Special Interest Focus Group Meeting

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. New diagnostic procedures and basic science discoveries continue to change our patient management paradigms. A recent meeting of the European Vision Institute (EVI) special interest focus group was held on "Outcome Measures of New Technologies in Uveal Melanoma," addressing the latest advances in UM, starting with genetic developments, then moving on to imaging and treatment of the primary tumor, as well as to investigating the most recent developments in treating metastases, and eventually taking care of the patient's well-being. This review highlights the meeting's presentations in the context of the published literature.

Intravenous hypertonic saline to reduce intraocular pressure: the effect of splitting the bolus

PURPOSE

To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) and pain after a single versus split bolus of intravenous hypertonic saline (IVHTS).

METHODS

In a prospective, randomized, interventional trial, we enrolled patients with an IOP of 22-34 mmHg. Twenty patients in Group 1 received IVHTS as a single bolus of 1 mmol/kg 23.4% sodium chloride, and 13 patients in Group 2 received two boli of 0.5 mmol/kg separated by 10 min. They graded pain at the infusion site. We measured IOP, heart rate and blood pressure before and 10 and 20 min after IVHTS.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (90%) in Group 1 felt pain (median, 6.5; range, 0-10). In Group 2, 11 patients (85%) felt pain after the first bolus (median, 6.0; range, 0-8) and 12 (92%) after the second one (median, 8; range, 0-10). We found no difference in pain grade between the groups after their first bolus (p = 0.33) or between the first bolus of Group 1 and the second bolus of Group 2 (p = 0.47). The median IOP reduction in Group 1 was 6.5 mmHg (range, 2-16) at 10 min and 7.0 mmHg (range, 4-16) at 20 min (p < 0.001 for both). In Group 2, the corresponding reductions after the second bolus were 9.0 mmHg (range, 4-10; p = 0.002) and 8.0 mmHg (range, 6-11; p = 0.002). The IOP reduction at 10 and 20 min was comparable between groups (p = 0.094 and p = 0.41, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Splitting the bolus did not reduce pain associated with IVHTS. Single bolus is consequently recommended.

BAP1 germline variants in Finnish patients with malignant mesothelioma

OBJECTIVES

Although asbestos exposure is the most common cause of malignant mesothelioma (MM), an aggressive cancer of the pleura or peritoneum, up to 7% of patients harbor a genetic predisposition to MM. Pathogenic germline variants in the BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) gene cause a dominantly inherited tumor predisposition syndrome, BAP1-TPDS, in which MM is the second most common associated cancer. Other frequent cancers in BAP1-TPDS are uveal melanoma (UM), cutaneous melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Additionally patients can exhibit benign skin lesions, BAP1-inactivated nevi (BIN). Most BINs arise sporadically, but patients with BAP1-TPDS may harbor multiple BINs before other tumors or as the only indication of the syndrome. Our objective was to establish the frequency of pathogenic germline BAP1 variants in Finnish patients with MM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

56 DNA samples archived in the Helsinki Biobank from Finnish patients with MM were sequenced for germline BAP1 variations. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded nevi from a pathogenic variant carrier were subjected to immunohistochemistry and exome sequencing.

RESULTS

Sanger sequencing identified one patient with Finnish founder mutation c.1780_1781insT, p.(G549Vfs*49) in BAP1. The carrier was diagnosed with MM over fifteen years before the cohorts mean onset age (mean 68, range 27 to 82) although the patient had no asbestos exposure or family history of BAP1-TPDS. However, the patient had three BINs removed prior to the MM. The c.1780_1781insT is now found from five Finnish BAP1-TPDS families with unknown common ancestor.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of pathogenic germline BAP1 variants in Finnish patients with MM is 1.8 % (95 % CI, 0.04 to 9.2), comparable to the frequency in Finnish patients with UM (1.9 %). The frequency of recurring BINs in patients with BAP1-TPDS should be studied further and genetic testing for BAP1 variants considered if the patient has ≥ 2 BAP1-TPDS core tumors, including BINs.

Asynchronous pineoblastoma is more likely after early diagnosis of retinoblastoma: a meta-analysis

Purpose

To determine the risk of patients with an early diagnosis of heritable retinoblastoma being diagnosed with TRb (or pineoblastoma) asynchronously in a later stage and its effect on screening.

Methods

We updated the search (PubMed and Embase) for published literature as performed by our research group in 2014 and 2019. Trilateral retinoblastoma (TRb) patients were eligible for inclusion if identifiable as unique and the age at which TRb was diagnosed was available. The search yielded 97 new studies. Three new studies and eight new patients were included. Combined with 189 patients from the previous meta‐analysis, the database included 197 patients. The main outcome was the percentage of asynchronous TRb in patients diagnosed before and after preset age thresholds of 6 and 12 months of age at retinoblastoma diagnosis.

Results

Seventy‐nine per cent of patients with pineoblastoma are diagnosed with retinoblastoma before the age of 12 months. However, baseline MRI screening at time of retinoblastoma diagnosis fails to detect the later diagnosed pineal TRb in 89% of patients. We modelled that an additional MRI performed at the age of 29 months picks up 53% of pineoblastomas in an asymptomatic phase. The detection rate increased to 72%, 87% and 92%, respectively, with 2, 3 and 4 additional MRIs.

Conclusions

An MRI of the brain in heritable retinoblastoma before the age of 12 months misses most pineoblastomas, while retinoblastomas are diagnosed most often before the age of 12 months. Optimally timed additional MRI scans of the brain can increase the asymptomatic detection rate of pineoblastoma.

Metastatic uveal melanoma: The final frontier

Treatment of primary intraocular uveal melanoma has developed considerably, its driver genes are largely unraveled, and the ways to assess its risk for metastases are very precise, being based on an international staging system and genetic data. Unfortunately, the risk of distant metastases, which emerge in approximately one half of all patients, is unaltered. Metastases are the leading single cause of death after uveal melanoma is diagnosed, yet no consensus exists regarding surveillance, staging, and treatment of disseminated disease, and survival has not improved until recently. The final frontier in conquering uveal melanoma lies in solving these issues to cure metastatic disease. Most studies on metastatic uveal melanoma are small, uncontrolled, retrospective, and do not report staging. Meta-analyses confirm a median overall survival of 10-13 months, and a cure rate that approaches nil, although survival exceeding 5 years is possible, estimated 2% either with first-line treatment or with best supportive care. Hepatic ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging as surveillance methods have a sensitivity of 95-100% and 83-100%, respectively, to detect metastases without radiation hazard according to prevailing evidence, but computed tomography is necessary for staging. No blood-based tests additional to liver function tests are generally accepted. Three validated staging systems predict, each in defined situations, overall survival after metastasis. Their essential components include measures of tumor burden, liver function, and performance status or metastasis free interval. Age and gender may additionally influence survival. Exceptional mutational events in metastases may make them susceptible to checkpoint inhibitors. In a large meta-analysis, surgical treatment was associated with 6 months longer median overall survival as compared to conventional chemotherapy and, recently, tebentafusp as first-line treatment at the first interim analysis of a randomized phase III trial likewise provided a 6 months longer median overall survival compared to investigator's choice, mostly pembrolizumab; these treatments currently apply to selected patients. Promoting dormancy of micrometastases, harmonizing surveillance protocols, promoting staging, identifying predictive factors, initiating controlled clinical trials, and standardizing reporting will be critical steppingstones in reaching the final frontier of curing metastatic uveal melanoma.

Patients presenting with stage IV uveal melanoma: Lessons learned

Challenges persist in identifying patients with stage IV uveal melanoma. While clinical, histopathologic, and genetic features of the primary tumor have been shown to provide prognostic value for assessing metastatic risk, biopsy-related genetic analyses are expensive and not universally available. Therefore, this review will focus on clinical characteristics. Initial staging and follow-up screening protocols have evolved for patients with uveal melanoma. The Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) required a physical examination, chest X-ray, and hematologic survey (primarily liver function tests). Though these studies were found to have a high specificity, COMS investigators typically found late-stage metastases. More recently, protocols have concentrated on liver imaging (abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging). Though hepatic radiographic imaging has been found more likely to reveal earlier metastatic uveal melanoma, by definition it cannot detect most extrahepatic and multiorgan metastases. An international multicenter registry study recently focused on patients who were diagnosed with stage IV uveal melanoma simultaneously with their primary intraocular melanoma. Therein, utilizing center-specific diagnostic methods, stage IV was found to occur in about 2% of patients. However, subgroup analysis found that a disproportionate number of multi-organ metastases were discovered when whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography was used for staging. Herein, we review the literature on patients who present with stage IV uveal melanoma, how they were detected, and their outcomes.

Prevalence of MYOC risk variants for glaucoma in different populations

PURPOSE

To assess the clinical relevance of myocilin (MYOC) gene variants as risk factors for glaucoma in literature and to estimate their prevalence in different populations.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature for published MYOC variants in glaucoma patients and estimated their prevalence in general population using gnomAD and BRAVO databases. We used several bioinformatics tools and the criteria of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) to assess the pathogenicity of the variants. We evaluated the carrier frequency of the variants in gnomAD, including its subpopulations.

RESULTS

We found 13 missense and 5 loss-of-function (LOF) reported variants in MYOC that were both probable pathogenic or risk variants and listed in gnomAD. Six likely pathogenic missense variants were p.(Cys25Arg), p.(Gln48His), p.(Gly326Ser), p.(Thr353Ile), p.(Thr377Met) and p.(Gly399Val). They were most prevalent in East and South Asia (frequency, 0.92% and 0.81%, respectively). The most common missense variants were p.(Thr353Ile) (0.91% in East Asia) and p.(Gln48His) (0.79% in South Asia). Five LOF variants were p.(Arg46Ter), p.(Arg91Ter), p.(Arg272Ter), p.(Gln368Ter) and p.(Tyr453MetfsTer11). We considered these glaucoma risk variants. They were most prevalent in the East Asian and the Finnish population (0.93% and 0.33%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Pathogenic MYOC variants appear to be population-associated. Our results highlight allelic heterogeneity of MYOC variants in open-angle glaucoma. Many of the probable pathogenic variants are over-represented in some of the populations causing doubt of their status as monogenic disease-causing variants.

Sex, gender, and retinoblastoma: analysis of 4351 patients from 153 countries

Objective

To investigate in a large global sample of patients with retinoblastoma whether sex predilection exists for this childhood eye cancer.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis including 4351 treatment-naive retinoblastoma patients from 153 countries who presented to 278 treatment centers across the world in 2017. The sex ratio (male/female) in the sample was compared to the sex ratio at birth by means of a two-sided proportions test at global level, country economic grouping, continent, and for selected countries.

Results

For the entire sample, the mean retinoblastoma sex ratio, 1.20, was higher than the weighted global sex ratio at birth, 1.07 (p < 0.001). Analysis at economic grouping, continent, and country-level demonstrated differences in the sex ratio in the sample compared to the ratio at birth in lower-middle-income countries (n = 1940), 1.23 vs. 1.07 (p = 0.019); Asia (n = 2276), 1.28 vs. 1.06 (p < 0.001); and India (n = 558), 1.52 vs. 1.11 (p = 0.008). Sensitivity analysis, excluding data from India, showed that differences remained significant for the remaining sample (χ² = 6.925, corrected p = 0.025) and for Asia (χ² = 5.084, corrected p = 0.036). Excluding data from Asia, differences for the remaining sample were nonsignificant (χ² = 2.205, p = 0.14).

Conclusions

No proof of sex predilection in retinoblastoma was found in the present study, which is estimated to include over half of new retinoblastoma patients worldwide in 2017. A high male to female ratio in Asian countries, India in specific, which may have had an impact on global-level analysis, is likely due to gender discrimination in access to care in these countries, rather than a biological difference between sexes.

Impact of staging on survival outcomes: a nationwide real-world cohort study of metastatic uveal melanoma

No data exist regarding whether any first-line treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma provides overall survival (OS) benefit, if staged and compared to best supportive care (BSC). We analyzed OS in a nationwide, consecutive cohort diagnosed with metastatic uveal melanoma between January 1999 and December 2016. The Helsinki University Hospital Working Formulation was used to assign patients to stage IVa, IVb and IVc, corresponding to predicted median OS ≥12, <12-6 and <6 months, respectively. OS of 216 actively treated patients was compared by treatment and working formulation stage against 108 similarly staged, concurrent patients managed with BSC using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression. The median OS with active treatment was 18 (range, 0.7-162), 6.9 (range, 1.3-30) and 1.9 (range, 0.2-18) months in working formulation stage IVa, IVb and IVc, respectively. Patients who received chemoimmunotherapy, selective internal radiation therapy, or underwent surgical resection survived longer - median OS 13, 16 and 24 months, respectively - than those receiving conventional chemotherapy - median OS 5.1 months - but only with surgical resection their OS exceeded that with BSC, both overall and in stage IVa (P < 0.001, P = 0.010). In stage IVb and IVc, no difference in OS was observed in any comparison. Staging of patients is crucial when comparing survival after metastatic uveal melanoma. Only surgical resection for stage IVa disease provided longer OS in our national cohort. We additionally recommend stage-specific comparison of novel treatments against available BSC data.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid: 21-year experience in a Nordic country

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, management, and prognosis of sebaceous carcinoma (SC) of the eyelids and periocular region in a Nordic country.

METHODS

Patients were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Helsinki University Hospital databases during the 21-year period 1998-2018. Age, sex, location, clinical and histopathologic diagnosis, treatment and outcome were registered.

RESULTS

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) was diagnosed in 32 patients. The incidence was 0.6 per million. Median age at the time of histopathologic diagnosis was 74 years, and 72% of patients were women. Diagnostic delay was often long, median 12 months. The most common cause for delay was misdiagnosis (72%): a chalazion in 34% and a benign tumour in 22%. The most common location was the upper eyelid (53%) and tumour type a solitary nodule (94%). The SC was not correctly diagnosed in 12 (40%) of 30 preoperative biopsies. The treatment for 31 (97%) patients was complete surgical removal with reconstruction. Conjunctival intraepithelial growth was found in 50%. The leading postoperative problem was ocular irritation (30%). During a median follow-up of 58 months, two patients (6%) experienced a local recurrence and one patient died from metastatic SC.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated incidence of SC in Finland was somewhat higher than in other Western countries. The diagnosis was often markedly delayed. Especially differentiation from chalazion continues to be essential. To improve outcomes, it is essential to inform the pathologist about the possibility of SC in eyelid biopsies and specimens and ideally submit them to an ophthalmic pathology service.

A novel missense TGFBI variant p.(Ser591Phe) in a Finnish family with variant lattice corneal dystrophy

INTRODUCTION

We describe the phenotype of a variant lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) potentially caused by a novel variant c.1772C>T p.(Ser591Phe) in exon 13 of the transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) gene.

CASE REPORT

The proband, a 71-year-old woman referred because of bilateral LCD, first seen at the age of 65 years, with recent progressive symptoms, underwent a clinical ophthalmological examination, anterior segment optical coherence tomography and confocal microscopy. Additionally, three siblings and three children were examined. The identified TGFBI variant was screened in six family members using Sanger sequencing. A corneal dystrophy gene screen was performed for the proband. Translucent subepithelial irregularities and central to midperipheral stubby branching corneal stromal lattice lines, asymmetric between the right and the left eye, were visible and resulted in mild deterioration of vision in one eye. Genetic testing revealed a novel variant c.1772C>T in TGFBI, leading to the amino acid change p.(Ser591Phe). One daughter carried the same variant but had only thick stromal nerve fibres at the age of 49 years. The other family members neither had corneal abnormalities nor carried the variant. No keratoplasty is yet planned for the proband.

CONCLUSIONS

We classify the novel variant in TGFBI as possibly pathogenic, potentially causing the late-onset, asymmetric variant LCD. Our findings add to the growing number of TGFBI variants associated with a spectrum of phenotypes of variant LCD.

Diagnostic Criteria for Terrien Marginal Degeneration: Nordic Terrien Degeneration Study

PURPOSE

To refine the diagnostic criteria for Terrien marginal degeneration (TMD) based on experience in 3 Nordic countries.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, multicenter, hospital-based cross-sectional study of 49 eyes of 29 white patients in tertiary referral centers in Finland, Sweden, and Denmark from 1998 to January 2018. The median follow-up was 3 years. Symptoms, best corrected visual acuity, astigmatism, corneal thickness, curvature and cavities, stage, and progression were analyzed.

RESULTS

TMD was diagnosed equally likely between 15 and 86 years of age (median, 47 years). Twenty patients (69%) had bilateral disease, and 62% were men. Seventeen patients (59%) had symptoms including blurred vision and ocular surface disease symptoms without inflammatory signs. Eight patients (28%) had slightly reduced corneal sensitivity. Median best corrected visual acuity was 20/25 (range, 20/16-20/200) and astigmatism was 2.6 diopters (D) (range, 0-10) with a mean progression of 0.41 D per year (range, 0-5.4). Age and astigmatism were not correlated. All eyes had peripheral vascularization, lipid deposits, and hyperreflectivity throughout thinned peripheral stroma and its anterior edge. The thinning progressed in 15 patients (52%). Of 26 patients, 8 (31%) had single or confluent paralimbal intrastromal cavities, most commonly superiorly. By Süveges classification, the stage was 2 (92%) or 3 (8%). Minimum corneal thickness and corneal curvature were loosely associated, leading to different stages in Wang classification in 34 eyes (69%).

CONCLUSIONS

TMD is defined by peripheral corneal thinning, superficial neovascularization, lipid deposition at the leading edge, absence of ulceration and inflammation, and frequently cavitation. The most sensitive way to follow its progression is anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Patients presenting with metastases: stage IV uveal melanoma, an international study

OBJECTIVE

To analyse ocular and systemic findings of patients presenting with systemic metastasis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

It is an international, multicentre, internet-enabled, registry-based retrospective data analysis. Patients were diagnosed between 2001 and 2011. Data included: primary tumour dimensions, extrascleral extension, ciliary body involvement, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)-tumour, node, metastasis staging, characteristics of metastases.

RESULTS

Of 3610 patients with uveal melanoma, 69 (1.9%; 95% CI 1.5 to 2.4) presented with clinical metastasis (stage IV). These melanomas originated in the iris, ciliary body and choroid in 4%, 16% and 80% of eyes, respectively. Using eighth edition AJCC, 8 (11%), 20 (29%), 24 (35%), and 17 (25%) belonged to AJCC T-categories T1-T4. Risk of synchronous metastases increased from 0.7% (T1) to 1.5% (T2), 2.6% (T3) and 7.9% (T4). Regional lymph node metastases (N1a) were detected in 9 (13%) patients of whom 6 (67%) had extrascleral extension. Stage of systemic metastases (known for 40 (59%) stage IV patients) revealed 14 (35%), 25 (63%) and 1 (2%) had small (M1a), medium-sized (M1b) and large-sized (M1c) metastases, respectively. Location of metastases in stage IV patients were liver (91%), lung (16%), bone (9%), brain (6%), subcutaneous tissue (4%) and others (5%). Multiple sites of metastases were noted in 24%. Compared with the 98.1% of patients who did not present with metastases, those with synchronous metastases had larger intraocular tumours, more frequent extrascleral extension, ciliary body involvement and thus a higher AJCC T-category.

CONCLUSIONS

Though higher AJCC T-stage was associated with risk for metastases at diagnosis, even small T1 tumours were stage IV at initial presentation. The liver was the most common site of metastases; however, frequent multiorgan involvement supports initial whole-body staging.

International travel to obtain medical treatment for primary retinoblastoma: A global cohort study

Early diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma (Rb), the most common intraocular malignancy, can save both the child's life and vision. However, access to services and hence chances for survival and preserving the eye and its vision vary widely across the globe. Some families have to, or make a choice to, leave their home country to seek planned medical treatment abroad. We aimed to investigate how frequently this cross-border travel occurs and the factors associated with it. A total of 278 Rb centres in 153 countries were recruited to participate in a global cross-sectional analysis of newly diagnosed Rb patients in 2017. Number and proportions of children who travelled from their home country for treatment were analysed by country, continent, socioeconomic stratum and clinical and demographic features. The cohort included 4351 new patients of whom 223 [5.1%, 95% confidence interval 4.5-5.8] were taken across country borders for planned medical treatment. Independently significant predictors of travelling across borders included: being from a country with a smaller population, being from a country classified as low socioeconomic status, having bilateral Rb and having intraocular disease without extraocular spread. The factors that determine international travel for Rb treatment are complex and deserve further investigation. We may need to rethink the way services are delivered in the light of the threat of severe curtailment of international travel from pandemics like corona virus disease 2019.

Identifying haplotypes in recessive inherited retinal dystrophies using whole-genome linked-read sequencing

Conventional next-generation sequencing methods, used in most gene panels, cannot separate maternally and paternally derived sequence information of distant variants. In recessive diseases, two or more equally plausible causative variants with unsolved phase information prevent accurate molecular diagnosis. In reality, close relatives might be unavailable for segregation analysis. Here, we utilized whole genome linked-read sequencing to assign variants to haplotypes in two patients with inherited retinal dystrophies. Patient 1 with macular dystrophy had variants c.3442T>C, p.(Cys1148Arg), c.4209G>T, p.(Glu1403Asp), and c.1182C>T, p.(Cys394=) in CRB1, and Patient 2 with nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa had c.1328T>A, p.(Val443Asp) and c.3032C>G, p.(Ser1011*) in AHI1. The relatives were not available for genotyping. Using whole genome linked-read sequencing we phased the variants to haplotypes providing genetic background for the retinal dystrophies. In future, when the price of sequencing methods that provides long-read data decreases and their read-depth and accuracy increases, they are probably considered the primary or adjunctive sequencing methods in genetic testing, allowing the immediate collection of phase information and thus obviating the need for the carrier testing and segregation analysis.

Travel burden and clinical presentation of retinoblastoma: analysis of 1024 patients from 43 African countries and 518 patients from 40 European countries

BACKGROUND

The travel distance from home to a treatment centre, which may impact the stage at diagnosis, has not been investigated for retinoblastoma, the most common childhood eye cancer. We aimed to investigate the travel burden and its impact on clinical presentation in a large sample of patients with retinoblastoma from Africa and Europe.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis including 518 treatment-naïve patients with retinoblastoma residing in 40 European countries and 1024 treatment-naïve patients with retinoblastoma residing in 43 African countries.

RESULTS

Capture rate was 42.2% of expected patients from Africa and 108.8% from Europe. African patients were older (95% CI -12.4 to -5.4, p<0.001), had fewer cases of familial retinoblastoma (95% CI 2.0 to 5.3, p<0.001) and presented with more advanced disease (95% CI 6.0 to 9.8, p<0.001); 43.4% and 15.4% of Africans had extraocular retinoblastoma and distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis, respectively, compared to 2.9% and 1.0% of the Europeans. To reach a retinoblastoma centre, European patients travelled 421.8 km compared to Africans who travelled 185.7 km (p<0.001). On regression analysis, lower-national income level, African residence and older age (p<0.001), but not travel distance (p=0.19), were risk factors for advanced disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Fewer than half the expected number of patients with retinoblastoma presented to African referral centres in 2017, suggesting poor awareness or other barriers to access. Despite the relatively shorter distance travelled by African patients, they presented with later-stage disease. Health education about retinoblastoma is needed for carers and health workers in Africa in order to increase capture rate and promote early referral.

Ocular sarcoidosis: clinical experience and recent pathogenetic and therapeutic advancements

Purpose

To describe the ocular manifestations in a cohort of patients with systemic sarcoidosis (SS). Recent advances in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of SS are also discussed.

Methods

Data from 115 Italian patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All but the first 17 patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination. The diagnosis was based on clinical features, the demonstration of non-caseating granulomas in biopsies from involved organs, and multiple imaging techniques. Data on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid analysis, calcemia, calciuria, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels were retrieved when available.

Results

Ocular involvement, detected in 33 patients (28.7%), was bilateral in 29 (87.9%) and the presenting feature in 13 (39.4%). Anterior uveitis was diagnosed in 12 patients (36.4%), Löfgren syndrome and uveoparotid fever in one patient each (3%), intermediate uveitis in 3 patients (9.1%), posterior uveitis in 7 (21.2%), and panuveitis in 9 (27.3%). First-line therapy consisted of corticosteroids, administered as eyedrops (10 patients), sub-Tenon’s injections (1 patient), intravitreal implants (9 patients), or systemically (23 patients). Second-line therapy consisted of steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, including methotrexate (10 patients) and azathioprine (10 patients). Based on pathogenetic indications that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a central mediator of granuloma formation, adalimumab, targeting TNF-α, was employed in 6 patients as a third-line agent for severe/refractory chronic sarcoidosis.

Conclusion

Uveitis of protean type, onset, duration, and course remains the most frequent ocular manifestation of SS. Diagnostic and therapeutic advancements have remarkably improved the overall visual prognosis. An ophthalmologist should be a constant component in the multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of this often challenging but intriguing disease.

Hepatic Ultrasonography Compared With Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Diagnosis of Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the consistency of hepatic ultrasonography (US) with staging computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to analyze why US was inconsistent with CT/MRI, and to compare CT/MRI.

DESIGN

Reliability analysis.

METHODS

Two hundred fifteen patients whose primary uveal melanoma was managed in the Helsinki University Hospital and who were diagnosed with hepatic metastases by US within 60 days of staging CT/MRI from January 1999 to December 2016 were included. Patients attended a real-life follow-up schedule including hepatic US, liver function tests (LFT), and a confirmatory CT/MRI. We evaluated the consistency of US with staging CT/MRI regarding the presence and number of metastases.

RESULTS

The enrolled patients underwent 215 US, 167 CT, and 69 MRI examinations, and 67% of them had biopsy-confirmed metastases. Screening was regular for 98% of the patients, and 66% were asymptomatic. US was fully consistent with CT/MRI in detecting metastases in 113 (53%) patients, in 63 (29%) CT/MRI showed more metastases, and in 16 (7%) CT/MRI showed fewer metastases than US. CT/MRI was inconsistent with US in 23 (11%) patients. The sensitivity of US in detecting metastases was 96% (95% confidence interval, 92-98). US failed to suggest metastases in 10 patients. LFT were abnormal in 6 of them, and a newly detected hepatic lesion was present by US in 4.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic US is a sensitive screening modality in detecting metastases in patients with primary uveal melanoma, if combined with LFT and, in case of any newly detected lesion, a confirmatory MRI.

Brachytherapy of Choroidal Melanomas Less Than 10 mm in Largest Basal Diameter: Comparison of 10-mm and 15-mm Ruthenium Plaques

PURPOSE

To compare tumor control, vision, and complications between patients with a choroidal melanoma of <10 mm in largest basal diameter (LBD) irradiated with 10-mm or 15-mm ruthenium plaques.

DESIGN

Retrospective, comparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred sixty-four consecutive patients with a choroidal melanoma of <10 mm in LBD, 76 and 88 treated with the 10-mm and 15-mm plaque, respectively, from 1998-2014 in a national ocular oncology service.

METHODS

Diagnosis was based on growth or high-risk characteristics. The apical dose was 100 to 120 Gy aiming to deliver ≥250 Gy to the sclera. Plaque positioning was modeled retrospectively. An increase of ≥0.3 mm in thickness and ≥0.5 mm in LBD indicated local recurrence. Outcomes were compared with cumulative incidence analysis and Cox regression. Median follow-up time for patients still alive was 8.4 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Recurrence rate, low vision, blindness, radiation maculopathy, and optic neuropathy.

RESULTS

Melanomas treated with the 10-mm plaque were smaller (median thickness, 1.9 mm vs. 2.6 mm; LBD, 7.1 mm vs. 8.6 mm) and located closer to foveola (median, 2.0 mm vs. 2.8 mm) than those treated with the 15-mm plaque (P < 0.001). The 2 plaques provided a safety margin in 43% versus 40% eyes, provided no safety margin to guard foveola in 17% versus 33%, and did not entirely cover tumor mainly close to the disc in 32% versus 18% of eyes, respectively (P = 0.052). The incidence of a local recurrence was comparable (13% vs. 15% at 10 years; P = 0.31) and associated with plaque positioning (hazard ratio [HR], 2.81 for no safety margin; P = 0.041). At 5 years, the incidence of low vision was 14% versus 24%, and that of blindness was 3% versus 6%. Distance to the foveola was associated with loss of both levels of vision (HR, 0.65 per 1 mm vs. 0.68 per 1 mm; P ≤ 0.001 vs. P = 0.004). The incidence of radiation maculopathy was comparable (19% vs. 18% at 5 years), whereas that of optic neuropathy tended to be higher with the 15-mm plaque (2% vs. 9%; P = 0.054).

CONCLUSIONS

The 10-mm ruthenium plaque contributes to better visual preservation, particularly with tumors close to fovea, without increase in local recurrence rate, and may therefore be preferable to the 15-mm plaque.

Prognostic Factors Five Years After Enucleation for Uveal Melanoma

Purpose

A subgroup of uveal melanoma (UM) gives rise to metastases at a late stage. Our objective was to identify patient and tumor characteristics that are associated with UM-related death in patients who survived 5 years following enucleation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 583 primary UM cases, enucleated at the Leiden University Medical Center between 1983 and 2013. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed in the total cohort and separately in those surviving more than 5 years (n = 297).

Results

In the total cohort, the median age was 62.6 years, and the median tumor diameter was 12.0 mm. Monosomy 3 was detected in 53% of cases and gain of 8q in 47%. In the cohort surviving 5 years, the median age was 59.5 years, and the median tumor diameter was 11.0 mm. Monosomy 3 and gain of 8q were detected in 33% and 31% of cases, respectively. In the total cohort, male gender (P = 0.03), tumor diameter (P < 0.001), mitotic count (P < 0.001), extravascular matrix loops (P = 0.03), extraocular growth (P < 0.001), and gain of 8q (P < 0.001) were independently associated with UM-related death. In patients surviving 5 years after enucleation, univariable analysis revealed that age (P = 0.03), tumor diameter (P < 0.001), monosomy 3 (P = 0.04), and 8q gain (P = 0.003) were associated with subsequent UM-related death. Using a multivariable analysis, only male gender (P = 0.03) and gain of 8q (P = 0.01) remained significant.

Conclusions

Predictors of UM-related death change over time. Among UM patients who survived the initial 5 years following enucleation, male gender and chromosome 8q status were the remaining factors related to UM-related death later on.

A Multicenter, International Collaborative Study for American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging of Retinoblastoma: Part I: Metastasis-Associated Mortality

PURPOSE

To evaluate the ability of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual to estimate metastatic and mortality rates for children with retinoblastoma (RB).

DESIGN

International, multicenter, registry-based retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2190 patients from 18 ophthalmic oncology centers from 13 countries over 6 continents.

METHODS

Patient-specific data fields for RB were designed and selected by subcommittee. All patients with RB with adequate records to allow tumor staging by the AJCC criteria and follow-up for metastatic disease were studied.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Metastasis-related 5- and 10-year survival data after initial tumor staging were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method depending on AJCC clinical (cTNM) and pathological (pTNM) tumor, node, metastasis category and age, tumor laterality, and presence of heritable trait.

RESULTS

Of 2190 patients, the records of 2085 patients (95.2%) with 2905 eyes were complete. The median age at diagnosis was 17.0 months. A total of 1260 patients (65.4%) had unilateral RB. Among the 2085 patients, tumor categories were cT1a in 55 (2.6%), cT1b in 168 (8.1%), cT2a in 197 (9.4%), cT2b in 812 (38.9%), cT3 in 835 (40.0%), and cT4 in 18 (0.9%). Of these, 1397 eyes in 1353 patients (48.1%) were treated with enucleation. A total of 109 patients (5.2%) developed metastases and died. The median time (n = 92) from diagnosis to metastasis was 9.50 months. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival estimates by clinical tumor categories were 100% for category cT1a, 98% (95% confidence interval [CI], 97-99) for cT1b and cT2a, 96% (95% CI, 95-97) for cT2b, 89% (95% CI, 88-90) for cT3 tumors, and 45% (95% CI, 31-59) for cT4 tumors. Risk of metastasis increased with increasing cT (and pT) category (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis confirmed a higher risk of metastasis in category cT3 (hazard rate [HR], 8.09; 95% CI, 2.55-25.70; P < 0.001) and cT4 (HR, 48.55; 95% CI, 12.86-183.27; P < 0.001) compared with category cT1. Age, tumor laterality, and presence of heritable traits did not influence the incidence of metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Multicenter, international, internet-based data sharing facilitated analysis of the 8th edition AJCC RB Staging System for metastasis-related mortality and offered a proof of concept yielding quantitative, predictive estimates per category in a large, real-life, heterogeneous patient population with RB.

In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy and Histopathology of Keratitis Fugax Hereditaria From a Pathogenic Variant in NLRP3

PURPOSE

To apply in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) to study the pathogenesis of keratitis (keratoendotheliitis) fugax hereditaria, an autosomal dominant cryopyrin-associated periodic keratitis, associated with the c.61G>C pathogenic variant in the NLRP3 gene, in its acute and chronic phase, and to report histopathologic findings after penetrating keratoplasty.

DESIGN

This was an observational case series.

METHODS

The study population included 6 patients during an acute attack, 18 patients in the chronic phase, and 1 patient who underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Interventions included Sanger sequencing for the NLRP3 variant c.61C>G, a clinical examination, corneal photography, IVCM, light microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Our primary outcome measures included IVCM and histopathologic findings.

RESULTS

During the acute attack, hyperreflective cellular structures consistent with inflammatory cells transiently occupied the anterior to middle layers of the corneal stroma. Other corneal layers were unremarkable. With recurring attacks, central oval stromal opacities accumulated. IVCM revealed that they contained long, hyperreflective, needle-shaped structures in the extracellular matrix. Using light microscopy, the anterior half of the stroma displayed thin and finely vacuolated lamellae, and keratocytes throughout the stroma were immunopositive for syndecan.

CONCLUSIONS

The acute attacks and chronic stromal deposits mainly involve the anterior to middle layers of the corneal stroma, and the disease is primarily a keratitis rather than a keratoendotheliitis. IVCM shows that inflammatory cells invade only the stroma during an acute attack. IVCM and light microscopic findings suggest that the central corneal opacities represent gradual deposition of extracellular lipids. The disease could make a good in vivo model to study activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes.

Global Retinoblastoma Presentation and Analysis by National Income Level

Importance

Early diagnosis of retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular cancer, can save both a child's life and vision. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that many children across the world are diagnosed late. To our knowledge, the clinical presentation of retinoblastoma has never been assessed on a global scale.

Objectives

To report the retinoblastoma stage at diagnosis in patients across the world during a single year, to investigate associations between clinical variables and national income level, and to investigate risk factors for advanced disease at diagnosis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A total of 278 retinoblastoma treatment centers were recruited from June 2017 through December 2018 to participate in a cross-sectional analysis of treatment-naive patients with retinoblastoma who were diagnosed in 2017.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Age at presentation, proportion of familial history of retinoblastoma, and tumor stage and metastasis.

Results

The cohort included 4351 new patients from 153 countries; the median age at diagnosis was 30.5 (interquartile range, 18.3-45.9) months, and 1976 patients (45.4%) were female. Most patients (n = 3685 [84.7%]) were from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Globally, the most common indication for referral was leukocoria (n = 2638 [62.8%]), followed by strabismus (n = 429 [10.2%]) and proptosis (n = 309 [7.4%]). Patients from high-income countries (HICs) were diagnosed at a median age of 14.1 months, with 656 of 666 (98.5%) patients having intraocular retinoblastoma and 2 (0.3%) having metastasis. Patients from low-income countries were diagnosed at a median age of 30.5 months, with 256 of 521 (49.1%) having extraocular retinoblastoma and 94 of 498 (18.9%) having metastasis. Lower national income level was associated with older presentation age, higher proportion of locally advanced disease and distant metastasis, and smaller proportion of familial history of retinoblastoma. Advanced disease at diagnosis was more common in LMICs even after adjusting for age (odds ratio for low-income countries vs upper-middle-income countries and HICs, 17.92 [95% CI, 12.94-24.80], and for lower-middle-income countries vs upper-middle-income countries and HICs, 5.74 [95% CI, 4.30-7.68]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study is estimated to have included more than half of all new retinoblastoma cases worldwide in 2017. Children from LMICs, where the main global retinoblastoma burden lies, presented at an older age with more advanced disease and demonstrated a smaller proportion of familial history of retinoblastoma, likely because many do not reach a childbearing age. Given that retinoblastoma is curable, these data are concerning and mandate intervention at national and international levels. Further studies are needed to investigate factors, other than age at presentation, that may be associated with advanced disease in LMICs.

Retinoblastoma in Finland, 1964–2014: incidence and survival

Aims

To determine the incidence of retinoblastoma (Rb) and subsequent survival in the Finnish population during five decades.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study comprised all patients with Rb born in Finland during 1964–2014 and diagnosed in 2018 (birth cohort analysis) or diagnosed in 1964–2014 (standard annual analysis), identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry and the national referral centre. We report age-adjusted incidences and survival according to cause of death.

Results

Of children born in 1964–2014, 205 developed Rb, whereas 204 Rbs were diagnosed during these years; 196 belonged to both cohorts. Altogether 80 (38%) of the 213 children had heritable Rb and 19 (9%) had familial disease. The sex ratio was 1.34, suggesting male preponderance. Birth cohort analysis showed a median incidence of 6.2 per 100 000 live births (1:16 130) and less variability as compared with standard annual analysis (12.1, 6.5 and 4.4 per million children 0–4, 0–9 and 0–14 years of age, respectively). The incidence of heritable Rb increased with time, reflecting the increase in familial tumours. Five-year mortality rates from Rb were 6.2% and 7.6% for non-heritable and heritable diseases, respectively, and 35-year mortality rates from second malignancies were 0% and 14.3%, respectively. Family history predicted improved survival, whereas the period of diagnosis did not.

Conclusion

The incidence of familial Rb has increased, along with improvement in survival in Finland in 1964–2014, whereas the overall incidence of Rb was stable. Long-term risk of dying of second malignancies after heritable Rb was in line with other countries.