The Risk of Sympathetic Ophthalmia Associated with Open-Globe Injury Management Strategies: A Meta-analysis

TOPIC

Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is a sight-threatening granulomatous panuveitis caused by a sensitizing event. Primary enucleation or primary evisceration, versus primary repair, as a risk management strategy after open-globe injury (OGI) remains controversial.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This systematic review was conducted to report the incidence of SO after primary repair compared with that of after primary enucleation or primary evisceration. This enabled the reporting of an estimated number needed to treat.

METHODS

Five journal databases were searched. This review was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier, CRD42021262616). Searches were carried out on June 29, 2021, and were updated on December 10, 2022. Prospective or retrospective studies that reported outcomes (including SO or lack of SO) in a patient population who underwent either primary repair and primary enucleation or primary evisceration were included. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Random effects modelling was used to estimate pooled SO rates and absolute risk reduction (ARR).

RESULTS

Eight studies reporting SO as an outcome were included in total. The included studies contained 7500 patients and 7635 OGIs. In total, 7620 OGIs met the criteria for inclusion in this analysis; SO developed in 21 patients with OGI. When all included studies were pooled, the estimated SO rate was 0.12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00%-0.25%) after OGI. Of 779 patients who underwent primary enucleation or primary evisceration, no SO cases were reported, resulting in a pooled SO estimate of 0.05% (95% CI, 0.00%-0.21%). For primary repair, the pooled estimate of SO rate was 0.15% (95% CI, 0.00%-0.33%). The ARR using a random effects model was -0.0010 (in favour of eye removal; 95% CI, -0.0031 [in favor of eye removal] to 0.0011 [in favor of primary repair]). Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations analysis highlighted a low certainty of evidence because the included studies were observational, and a risk of bias resulted from missing data.

DISCUSSION

Based on the available data, no evidence exists that primary enucleation or primary evisceration reduce the risk of secondary SO.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Retinoblastoma in Asia: Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcomes in 2112 Patients from 33 Countries

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of children who received a diagnosis of retinoblastoma in 2017 throughout Asia.

DESIGN

Multinational, prospective study including treatment-naïve patients in Asia who received a diagnosis of retinoblastoma in 2017 and were followed up thereafter.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2112 patients (2797 eyes) from 96 retinoblastoma treatment centers in 33 Asian countries.

INTERVENTIONS

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, enucleation, and orbital exenteration.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Enucleation and death.

RESULTS

Within the cohort, 1021 patients (48%) were from South Asia (SA), 503 patients (24%) were from East Asia (EA), 310 patients (15%) were from Southeast Asia (SEA), 218 patients (10%) were from West Asia (WA), and 60 patients (3%) were from Central Asia (CA). Mean age at presentation was 27 months (median, 23 months; range, < 1-261 months). The cohort included 1195 male patients (57%) and 917 female patients (43%). The most common presenting symptoms were leukocoria (72%) and strabismus (13%). Using the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual, Eighth Edition, classification, tumors were staged as cT1 (n = 441 [16%]), cT2 (n = 951 [34%]), cT3 (n = 1136 [41%]), cT4 (n = 267 [10%]), N1 (n = 48 [2%]), and M1 (n = 129 [6%]) at presentation. Retinoblastoma was treated with intravenous chemotherapy in 1450 eyes (52%) and 857 eyes (31%) underwent primary enucleation. Three-year Kaplan-Meier estimates for enucleation and death were 33% and 13% for CA, 18% and 4% for EA, 27% and 15% for SA, 32% and 22% for SEA, and 20% and 11% for WA (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

At the conclusion of this study, significant heterogeneity was found in treatment outcomes of retinoblastoma among the regions of Asia. East Asia displayed better outcomes with higher rates of globe and life salvage, whereas Southeast Asia showed poorer outcomes compared with the rest of Asia.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

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

Correlating somatic copy number alteration in aqueous humour cfDNA with chemotherapy history, eye salvage and pathological features in retinoblastoma

BackgroundThis study determined to probe the potential association between somatic copy number alteration (SCNA) in retinoblastoma (RB) aqueous humour (AH) and pathological high-risk factors, clinical features and previous chemotherapy history.

METHODS

Single-centre retrospective cohort study from including 58 AH samples collected from 58 patients diagnosed. Among them, 41 samples were collected after enucleation and 17 samples were collected before intravitreal chemotherapy. SCNAs were accessed by conducting shallow whole-genome sequencing in cell-free (cf) DNA of AH. HRs and ORs were applied to measure risk factors.

RESULTS

Canonical RB SCNAs including 1q gain (87%), 2p gain (50%), 6p gain (76%), 16q loss (69%) were frequently detected. Non-classical RB SCNAs in AH including 17q gain (53%), 19q loss (43%), 7q gain (35%) were also commonly observed. 19q loss was significantly more common in patients with cT3c or worse stage than others (p=0.034). 2p gain(p=0.001) and 7q gain(p=0.001) were both more common in patients with primary enucleation than those with previous chemotherapy. Interestingly, both 2p gain (HR=1.933, p=0.027) and 7q gain (HR=2.394, p=0.005) might predict enucleation. Correlation analysis with pathological features among enucleated eyes showed that 19q loss can predict a higher risk for both massive choroid invasion (OR=4.909, p=0.038) and postlaminar optic nerve invasion (OR=4.250, p=0.043).

DISCUSSION

Sequencing of AH cfDNA in RB can provide sufficient in vivo information. 19q loss was a potential signature of advanced cases clinically and pathologically.Repeated sampling from eyes receiving sequential chemotherapy should be conducted to evaluate fluctuation of SCNA in future study.

Chronic anophthalmic socket pain in the setting of deep orbital pseudocysts

An 89-year-old woman presented with chronic pain and foreign body sensation in a healthy-appearing anophthalmic socket. Computed tomography of the orbits showed hyperdense, cystic lesions superior and posterior to the orbital implant. Orbital exploration was performed; the orbital implant and lesions were removed. Histopathology revealed cystic structures composed of fibrocellular tissue lined with histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells, consistent with pseudocysts. Postoperatively, the patient noted the resolution of her symptoms. While the etiology of the pseudocysts remains unclear, we hypothesize that the answer can be traced back to the original surgery. The cysts may have formed after extravasation of fluid or proteinaceous material from the eye, from glycerin on the donor sclera, or after introduction of foreign material during retrobulbar injection of local anesthesia. This is the first report of pseudocysts occurring in the orbit posterior to an implant.

Outcomes of planned versus emergent enucleation procedures with primary orbital implants

OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the outcomes of primary implant placement in patients who have undergone enucleation on either a planned or emergent basis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of 128 enucleations with at least a 1-year postoperative follow-up between November 2008 and May 2019 by a single oculoplastic surgeon at Albany Medical Center. Emergent cases were categorized as those with an active, unclosed globe perforation, secondary to either acute trauma, dehiscence or failed closure of a previously opposed wound, or exposure of a surgical site with dehiscence of the underlying sclera. Patient demographics, clinical features, and postoperative findings were recorded. The incidence of implant exposure was used as an indication of patient outcomes, and the data were subsequently analyzed using t tests.

RESULTS

Of the 128 enucleations performed, 32 (25%) were carried out on an emergent basis, of which 2 patients (6.25%) developed implant exposure. In contrast, of the 96 enucleations that were carried out in a planned, nonemergent manner, 3 patients (3.1%) developed implant exposure. There was no significant relationship between implant exposure rates in the acute and planned enucleation groups (p = 0.4047).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the implications of globe perforation, our analysis suggests no significant correlation of implant exposures in acute versus planned enucleations with primary orbital implants. As such, physicians may confidently place a primary implant at the time of enucleation in both groups, and they may use these data to counsel their patients about the risks of postoperative complications.

Familial retinoblastoma: variations in clinical presentation and management based on paternal versus maternal inheritance

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated the effect of parent-of-origin on retinoblastoma penetrance. The purpose of the current study was to assess differences in clinical presentation of paternally versus maternally inherited retinoblastoma.

METHODS

The clinical records of all children with familial retinoblastoma treated on a tertiary Ocular Oncology Service between December 1975 and May 2020 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 179 patients with familial retinoblastoma were included. Paternal inheritance (PI) was identified in 109 (61%) patients and maternal inheritance (MI) in 70 patients (39%). A comparison (PI vs MI) revealed PI patients were older at presentation (57.2 vs 24.4 months [P = 0.002]) with no difference in patient sex (53% females vs 57% males [P = 0.606]) or number of family members affected (3.2 vs 3.0 family members [P = 0.255]). PI patients had more advanced classification according to the International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) (group E: 31% vs 8% [P = 0.012)] and greater largest tumor in basal diameter (9.0 vs 6.2 mm [P = 0.040]) and thickness (5.6 vs 4.0 mm [P = 0.038]); they were also less likely to be located in the macula (40% vs 60% [P = 0.004]). There was no difference in tumor laterality (69% vs 64% bilaterality [P = 0.530]). PI patients required enucleation more frequently (34% vs 14% [P = 0.007]). There was no difference in need for plaque radiotherapy (P = 0.86) or chemotherapy (P = 0.85). One PI patient developed metastatic retinoblastoma, and there were no retinoblastoma-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with paternally inherited retinoblastoma presented at an older age, with larger, more peripheral tumors and more advanced ICRB group, and were more likely to require enucleation compared to those with maternally inherited retinoblastoma.

Socket outcomes following enucleation for uveal melanoma: post enucleation socket syndrome can be challenging

PURPOSE

To evaluate socket outcomes of enucleation for uveal melanoma.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective chart review conducted in December 2022 of all patients who underwent enucleation surgery for uveal melanoma between 2010 and 2015 in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, to evaluate socket outcomes including completion of revision surgery, type of surgery, and completion of multiple revision surgeries, and potential associations.

RESULTS

Between June 2010 and December 2015, 72 patients underwent enucleation for uveal melanoma in the ocular oncology service, including 25 females and 47 males, mean age 65, range 11-91 years old. There were 68 primary enucleations and 4 secondary enucleations. Complete follow-up data was available for mean 4 years, range 1-11 years. Fourteen patients underwent further surgery, including one exenteration for local recurrence. Oculoplastic surgery (n = 6, 8%), implant exposure repair (n = 3, 6%), and orbit volume expanding surgery (n = 4, 6%) were also performed. Eight patients (11%) underwent one further surgery and five patients (7%) underwent a series of procedures. There was a significant association with younger age at enucleation (age <65) with undergoing further surgery (p = 0.03, Fisher's Exact Test (FET)), and also an association of younger age with undergoing multiple further surgeries (p = 0.02, FET). There was no association found with other predictor variables, including primary versus secondary enucleation status. Most patients (75%) with PESS underwent more than one surgery.

CONCLUSION

Post enucleation surgery 82% of patients did not undergo further surgery, but younger patients were more likely to undergo anophthalmic socket revision or oculoplastic surgery. Management of post enucleation socket syndrome was challenging and usually involved a series of procedures.

Pigmented medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve: A challenging diagnostic entity

Because of its rarity, the diagnosis of optic nerve medulloepithelioma poses a real diagnostic challenge. Medulloepithelioma is a congenital tumor that derives from the primitive medullary epithelium present in the neural tube and the optic vesicle. Its classical location is the ciliary body. Cases of retinal or optic nerve locations have been rarely reported in the literature. Only 11 cases have been published in the English literature. Herein, we report the case of a 2-year-old boy who underwent enucleation of the right eye for a presumed diagnosis of right-eye retinoblastoma, based on the presence of leukocoria on ophthalmological examination. Pathological examination showed an optic nerve medulloepithelioma. A review of the literature is also discussed in our work.

PATIENT-RELATED FACTORS AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES OF RETINOBLASTOMA IN CALABAR, NIGERIA

Background

Retinoblastoma is curable in industrialized countries. However, it is associated with mortality in resource-poor nations due to disparities and poor access to eye care. Aim was to determine the relationships between patient-related factors and clinical outcomes of Retinoblastoma management in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective study of all children who were diagnosed and treated for Retinoblastoma from January 2017 through December 2022. Information obtained from their records included biosocioeconomic data, symptoms, lag time from initial symptoms, staging, treatment and outcome (dead or alive).

Results

Fifty-three patients, aged 6 to 88 months on first hospital presentation were recruited. There were 29(54.7%) females and 20(37.7%) patients died. Parental low socioeconomic class, rural residence and poor nutrition occurred more in those that survived, though not significantly (p>0.05). Median(interquartile) age at diagnosis [24(18-36) months, p=0.005] and lag time [13(6-20) months, p=0.274] were low in the survived group. Bilateral Retinoblastoma (20.8%,p=0.002), brain metastasis (22.6%,p<0.001), IRSS IV (18.9%,p=0.01) and relapse (34%,p<0.001) occurred more among the patients that died. The overall survival (OS) was 22(11.77-32.23) months with 1-year OS of 63%. Treatment with only chemotherapy [HR 4.76(95%CI:1.726-13.128)], incomplete chemotherapy [HR 5.61(95%CI:1.271-24.741)], relapse [HR 5.98(95%CI:1.376-25.983)] and eye surgery after 3 chemotherapy cycles [HR 8.22(95%CI:1.087-62.239)] were predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Early presentation of retinoblastoma especially of advanced and bilateral disease may lead to improved survival if chemotherapy and eye surgery are appropriately performed. Routine screening and immediate referral of retinoblastoma particularly in rural areas are recommended.

Ocular oncology service during the COVID-19 outbreak: uveal melanoma characteristics presenting in 2019 compared to 2020

AIM

We aim to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ocular oncology in Ireland, comparing uveal melanoma trends in 2019 to 2020.

METHODS

Patients included for analysis were those that presented to the ocular oncology service from January 2019 to December 2020 in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin, who underwent primary treatment for uveal melanoma-proton beam therapy, brachytherapy or enucleation.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients presented in 2019 (n = 46) and 2020 (n = 51) who underwent primary treatment for uveal melanoma. Presentation via the eye casualty department was more common in 2020. Dimensions of choroidal melanomas were increased both in basal diameter and thickness compared to those in 2019. More patients had enucleations in 2020 than in 2019 (21.6% vs 9.3%, respectively) and less had proton beam therapy (6.2% vs 12.4%). More patients had evidence of extra-scleral extension at the time of surgery in 2020 compared to 2019 (4.1%, n = 4 versus 0%, respectively). The mean duration of brachytherapy therapy was longer in 2020 (5.3 days ± 35.8) compared to 2019 (4.6 days ± 38.7). Mean time between presentation and primary treatment was 35.6 ± 28.8 days in 2019 and 24.1 ± 20.4 days in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

More advanced disease is suggested by the increased mean basal diameter and tumour thickness, extra-scleral extension and longer duration of brachytherapy. Time from diagnosis to treatment was not delayed in 2020.

Orbital administration of fillers for optimization of symmetry in patients with microphthalmos or acquired anophthalmic sockets: A review

The treatment of facial asymmetry in patients with microphthalmos or acquired anophthalmic sockets usually requires aggressive reconstructive surgeries. In recent years, studies have been published on the use of fillers to optimize orbital tissue symmetry, as minimally invasive techniques. For this reason, we performed a systematic review of the literature published to date on the use of fillers for the treatment of volume loss in acquired anophthalmic or microphthalmic cavities. Fourteen articles were reviewed in which the material used, the injection technique, the anatomical study of the patients before the procedure and the presence of associated complications were analyzed. Various materials have been used as fillers, including autologous fat, calcium hydroxyapatite, collagen, hyaluronic acid, or polyacrylamide gel. Standard peribulbar and retrobulbar injection techniques were applied, with few associated complications, the most serious being the development of vasovagal symptoms. Patient follow-up is usually limited in most studies to 12 months. In Conclusion, the use of fillers seems to be a safe practice, with good results and few complications, although studies with longer follow-up times than those published to date would be required.

Material risk: vitreoretinal surgery, evisceration, enucleation and sympathetic ophthalmia-where are we currently?

Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is known to occur after severe penetrating eye injury, evisceration and even enucleation surgery. Recent evidence suggests that a greater risk lies after multiple vitreoretinal procedures. The risk of SO following evisceration is only minimally greater than that following enucleation surgery. This review evaluates literature on SO to date and provides figures for the risk of developing SO for the purposes of the consent process. The issue of SO and Material Risk following vitreoretinal surgery is reviewed and figures for the purposes of consent are outlined. This is of particular relevance for patients in whom the contralateral eye is and will likely remain the better seeing eye. Sympathetic ophthalmitis is known to occur after severe penetrating eye injury, after evisceration and enucleation. More recently, sympathetic ophthalmitis has been recognised to occur after vitreoretinal surgery. This article reviews the evidence on material risk when consenting patients for elective and emergency eye procedures after ocular trauma or surgery. When a globe needs to be removed because of irreparable ocular injury, previous publications dictated the procedure to be an enucleation because of the fear of an increased risk of SO after an evisceration. Perhaps the issue of material risk of sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) remains over-emphasised by ophthalmic plastic surgeons and under-recognised by vitreoretinal surgeons during the consent process for evisceration, enucleation and vitreoretinal surgery. Antecedent trauma and number of previous surgeries may actually be a more significant risk factor than the type of eye removal. Recent medicolegal cases also help us understand the importance of the discussion of this risk. We present our current understanding of the risk of SO after different procedures and suggest how this information may be included in a patient consent.

Presentation pattern and survival rate of retinoblastoma following chemotherapy: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

This study presents the clinical pattern of presentation and survival rate of retinoblastoma, which is the most prevalent form of pediatric intraocular cancer. The aim of this study is to provide baseline information about the clinical presentation and management of retinoblastoma at ECWA Eye Hospital. Additionally, the study identifies priority areas for enhancing medical care for children diagnosed with this cancer. ECWA Eye Hospital, situated in Kano State, Nigeria, is a specialized eye center located in the North-Western region of the country.

METHODS

A prospective study spanning five years was conducted at ECWA Eye Hospital to investigate clinically diagnosed cases of retinoblastoma. The study took place from January 2018 to December 2022. The patients received standardized pre-medication and chemotherapy protocols for retinoblastoma. Subsequently, a five-year follow-up was conducted to monitor the patients' progress. The collected data was analyzed, descriptive statistics were generated, and the survival rate was calculated.

RESULTS

During the five-year study period, a total of 35 cases of retinoblastoma were diagnosed. The patients had an average age of 3.21 ± 1.32 years. The most common presentation patterns observed were fungating ocular mass and proptosis. Among the cases, there were 10 instances of bilateral proptosis and 25 instances of unilateral proptosis. While no patients exhibited bilateral leukocoria, eight cases of unilateral leukocoria with anterior segment seedlings were identified. The additional patterns of presentation are proptosis, leukocoria, fungating orbital mass, redness and loss of vision. The mortality rate was 80% (28 cases), while the survival rate was 20% (7 cases). Notably, all the survivors had unilateral retinoblastoma.

CONCLUSION

The majority of cases observed at ECWA Eye Hospital involve advanced retinoblastoma. In low-resource settings where alternative treatment options are limited, chemotherapy is considered a viable treatment option. Early presentation of retinoblastoma in patients may lead to a higher survival rate when chemotherapy is administered.

Tumor Profiles of Late Presentation Uveal Ring Melanoma With Novel Characteristics - A Case Series

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features, tumor characteristics, including histopathology and cytogenetic analysis, and management of patients with uveal ring melanoma in New Zealand.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on all uveal melanoma cases treated in a single national oncology center in New Zealand. The study period was from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022 (10 years). Written consent was obtained from all patients included in this case series.

Results

Uveal ring melanoma of ciliary body origin (n = 4) comprised 0.7% of all uveal melanomas (n = 571). Ethnicity distribution was three patients of New Zealand European ancestry and one patient of Chinese/Pasifika ancestry. Three patients (75%) were symptomatic at presentation (spontaneous hyphema, glaucoma, and cataract), whereas one was asymptomatic but subsequently developed painful refractory glaucoma. All eyes underwent enucleation. Three eyes had primary iris biopsies with subsequent enucleation for refractory glaucoma and pain and one eye underwent primary enucleation. All cases demonstrated malignant tumor characteristics including diffuse 270 to 360-degree ciliary body ring growth pattern, epithelioid-cell type and presence of either BAP-1 expression loss or gain of MYC gene. Two cases (50%) developed distant organ metastasis - liver, parotid gland, and breast. Of those, one patient was deceased at the time of follow-up whereas one had completed treatment for metastases.

Conclusions

Uveal ring melanoma is a rare tumor that is highly invasive and malignant. When detected, prompt definitive treatment should be advocated, and patient counselling should be given regarding the high risk of developing a painful, blind eye with increased risk of metastasis in the absence of treatment.

Factors affecting eye conservation and metastasis in posterior uveal melanomas

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of patient and tumor features and different treatments on eye removal (enucleation or exenteration) and metastasis in posterior uveal melanoma (PUM).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis. Patient age (≤60 vs >60 years), sex (female vs male), visual acuity (VA, ≤20/40 vs >20/40), largest tumor basal diameter (LTBD), tumor thickness, tumor stage according to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition, ciliary body involvement, distance to optic disc (OD)/fovea (≤3 mm vs >3 mm), OD involvement, and histopathology were evaluated. Primary treatment options were transpupillary thermotherapy, plaque radiotherapy, Cyberknife radiosurgery, exoresection, and eye removal. Risk factors for primary eye removal were determined using logistic regression test and those for secondary eye removal and metastasis with Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 387 cases, 153 (39.5%) underwent primary eye removal. Multivariable risk factors for primary eye removal included AJCC tumor stage (p = 0.001, OR:4.586; p < 0.001, OR:34.545; p < 0.001, OR:103.468 for stages T2, T3, and T4 vs stage T1, respectively), and VA≤20/40 (p = 0.014, OR:2.597). Multivariable risk factors for secondary eye removal were VA≤20/40 (p = 0.019, RR:2.817) and AJCC stage T3 vs T1 (p = 0.021, RR:2.666). Eye preservation rates in patients undergoing eye-conserving treatments were 80.3%, 69.6%, and 51.5% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Metastasis-free survival rates were 81.0%, 73.0%, and 56.7% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Multivariable risk factors for metastasis included eye removal as primary treatment (p = 0.005, RR:2.828) and mixed type histopathology (p < 0.001, RR:4.804).

DISCUSSION

Early diagnosis is crucial for both eye preservation and survival in PUM. Increasing AJCC tumor stage and lower VA were risk factors for eye removal in this study. Mixed type histopathology and primary eye removal were risk factors for metastasis.

Post-enucleation outcomes of patients with uveal melanoma in Scotland

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To investigate post-enucleation outcomes and assess the effect of extrascleral extension (ESE) on these outcomes for patients with uveal melanoma (UM) managed at a tertiary referral centre in Scotland.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Retrospective review of all cases of UM managed by the Scottish Ocular Oncology Service for which enucleation was undertaken between 13/03/2008 and 31/12/2020. Primary outcomes were length of survival, time-to-metastasis (TTM) and local recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes were the effects of the presence of ESE, ESE size, and the use of adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) on the primary outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 172 enucleated UMs, 32 (18.6%) had ESE. Over a median follow-up period of 33.7 months (range = 1.1-163.7 months), 91 (52.9%) patients died. The median length of all-cause survival of 54.1 months (range = 1.1-163.7 months). One-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates were 84.8%, 49.1%, and 30.9%, respectively. Eighty-four (49.7%) patients had metastatic disease. The median TTM of 42.2 months (range = 0.4-106.8 months). Proportions of patients who developed metastases within 1-year, 5-years and 10-years post-enucleation were 22.7%, 52.8%, and 71.8%, respectively. There was one instance of local orbital recurrence. ESE was associated with a significantly shorter length of survival (p = 0.03). There was a trend towards a shorter length of survival and TTM with ESE > 5 mm and those who received adjuvant EBRT.

CONCLUSIONS

ESE was present in one-sixth of our cohort and was associated with a significantly shorter length of survival, particularly in the presence of ESE > 5 mm or high-risk characteristics warranting adjuvant EBRT. This data will aid prognostication of the patients in our service.

Consensus statement for metastatic surveillance of uveal melanoma in Scotland

Ophthalmic treatments are successful in managing uveal melanomas achieving good local control. However, a large number still metastasise, primarily to the liver, resulting in mortality. There is no consensus across the world on the mode, frequency, duration or utility of regular liver surveillance for metastasis and there are no published protocols. The Scottish Ocular Oncology Service (SOOS) constituted a Scottish Consensus Statement Group (SCSG) which included ocular oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists and a uveal melanoma patient as a lay member. This group carried out an extensive review of literature followed by discussions to arrive at a consensus regarding surveillance planning for posterior uveal melanoma patients in Scotland. The Consensus Statement would provide a framework to guide each patient's surveillance plan and provide all patients with clarity and transparency on the issue. The SCSG was unable to find adequate evidence on which to base the strategy. The consensus statement recommends a risk-stratified approach to surveillance for these patients dividing them into low to medium-risk and high-risk groups defining the mode and duration of surveillance for each. It supplements the UK-wide Uveal Melanoma National Guidelines and allows a more uniform consensus-based approach to surveillance in Scotland. It has been adopted nationally by all health care providers in Scotland as a guideline and is available to patients on a publicly accessible website.

A comparison of primary and secondary eye removal after open globe injury: A multi-centre study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to compare the characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent primary eye removal surgery after open globe injury with those who underwent secondary eye removal surgery after open globe repair.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This was a retrospective review of subjects who underwent evisceration or enucleation within 3 months of an open globe injury, at three Level I trauma centres in three U.S. cities between July 2014 and July 2020.

RESULTS

19 patients underwent primary eye removal and 20 underwent secondary eye removal. The most common mechanism of trauma in patients who underwent primary eye removal was gunshot. Compared to the secondary eye removal group, patients who underwent primary eye removal were significantly more likely to be male; have longer hospital stays; be discharged to another care facility rather than home; have facial fractures; suffer intracranial injury; and be unable to consent themselves for surgery. Both groups had a low surgical complication rate with one case of socket contracture in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

The standard of care for an open globe injury is prompt repair, but there are occasions when the globe is so damaged that it is deemed unrepairable. We found that globes that required primary eye removal were more often due to gunshot wounds, and that there was greater morbidity associated with these injuries. The authors' preferred surgical approach was evisceration with placement of a silicone sphere; patient outcomes demonstrate that this method was found to be safe, with a low complication and infection rate.

Mutant-RB1 circulating tumor DNA in the blood of unilateral retinoblastoma patients: What happens during enucleation surgery: A pilot study

Cell free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cell free DNA (ctDNA) from blood (plasma) are increasingly being used in oncology for diagnosis, monitoring response, identifying cancer causing mutations and detecting recurrences. Circulating tumor RB1 DNA (ctDNA) is found in the blood (plasma) of retinoblastoma patients at diagnosis before instituting treatment (naïve). We investigated ctDNA in naïve unilateral patients before enucleation and during enucleation (6 patients/ 8 mutations with specimens collected 5-40 minutes from severing the optic nerve) In our cohort, following transection the optic nerve, ctDNA RB1 VAF was measurably lower than pre-enucleation levels within five minutes, 50% less within 15 minutes and 90% less by 40 minutes.

Targeted chemotherapy in retinoblastoma: A step forward from patient survival to globe survival

BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES

Despite being the most common intraocular malignancy in childhood, there is a substantial disparity between developing and developed countries in terms of patient and globe survival in retinoblastoma (Rb). The current study intends to determine patient and globe survival before and after the introduction of the new targeted treatment modalities in a developing country.

METHODS

Medical records of 350 patients (516 eyes) with retinoblastoma referred to a tertiary referral center for Rb in Tehran, Iran, were reviewed. In order to compare patient and globe survival before and after the availability of the new treatment modalities, including intra-arterial and intravitreal chemotherapy, the patients were divided into group 1 (2001-2007) and group 2 (2008-2018) based on the calendar period of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Two-hundred-twenty-three eyes of 149 patients and 293 eyes of 201 patients were categorized into groups 1 and 2, respectively. The 5-year patient survival was 97% across the current survey, and the overall survival rate was 96% in group 1 and 99% in group 2 (P = 0.08). Overall, 50% of eyes with retinoblastoma underwent enucleation, which was the primary in 63% (116/184) of the unilateral and 30% (99/322) of the bilateral cases. Primary enucleation was significantly lower in group 2 (35%) in contrast to group 1 (50%) (P < 0.001). In addition, globe survival improved significantly in the International Classification of Retinoblastoma Groups D (17% in group 1 vs. 66% in group 2, P < 0.001) and E (1% in group 1 vs. 23% in group 2 P < 0.001) during the two timelines. In enucleated eyes, despite the increased rate of prelaminar involvement in group 2 (13% vs. 2% in group 1, P = 0.003), the rate of high-risk histopathologic findings was similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Similar to developed countries, the application of new targeted treatment modalities, including intra-arterial and intravitreal chemotherapy, has been associated with significantly improved globe survival in Rb patients. However, it should be noted that even with the availability of these novel treatment options, the decision for on-time enucleation should not be deferred.

Silicone Sphere Implant Extrusion From Orbital Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Rare Complication in the Anophthalmic Socket

Orbital implant extrusion is a known complication following evisceration and enucleation. In this case report, we present a 45-year-old woman who presented with a left silicone implant exposure and infection 2 years following evisceration with saddle nose on examination. CT of the maxillofacial bones without contrast showed bilateral soft tissue infiltration around the superior recti muscles, as well as a nasal septum perforation from extensive sinus disease. Left orbitotomy revealed a small fibrotic mass near the orbital roof. Biopsy and serology results were consistent with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Trends in Eye Removal Surgeries at a Tertiary Care Hospital Over Three Decades

PURPOSE

To determine the trends in eye removal surgeries at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria over 26 years.

METHODS

A retrospective comparative review of clinical records of all patients who had eye removal surgery at a tertiary hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between 2014 and 2019 was done. Patients' demographic and clinical data, including indication for eye removal and type of surgery were analysed and compared with two earlier studies at the same hospital between 1994 and 2013.

RESULTS

There was an average of 14.3 surgeries per year between 2014 and 2019. Patients' ages ranged from 2 to 102 years, M:F was 1.5:1, the commonest indication for eye removal was infection (n=30, 34.9%), and the most common surgery was evisceration (n=70, 81.4%). Studies from 1994 to 2003 and 2005 to 2013, reported an average of 9.2 and 10 surgeries per year; ages ranging from 4 days to 88 years and 3 months to 88 years; with a M:F of 2.1:1 and 3.4:1 respectively. In both studies, the commonest indication for eye removal was trauma (43.4% and 43.8% respectively) and the most common surgery was enucleation (57.6% and 55% respectively). Trend data showed a progressive increase in eye infections (12% vs 15% vs 34.9%) and eviscerations (19.6% vs 31.2% vs 81.4%) over time.

CONCLUSION

There was a change in trend towards an increase in eviscerations and infective indications for eye removal at the hospital over three decades. Prompt and optimal treatment of orbito-ocular infections is recommended to reduce the incidence of eye removal surgeries.

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.

Correlation between clinical presentations, radiological findings and high risk histopathological features of primary enucleated eyes with advanced retinoblastoma at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health: 5 years result

Purpose

To evaluate the correlation between clinical presentations, radiological findings and high risk histopathological features of primary enucleated eyes in patients with advanced retinoblastoma at a tertiary child hospital in Thailand.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were treated with primary enucleation of tumor eyes between 2015–2020. Demographic data, radiological assessment, and histopathological findings were collected. The association between clinical presentations and high-risk histopathological features in the primary enucleated eyes were evaluated. The radiological findings, which showed characteristic of high risk features, were compared with the histopathological findings.

Results

Thirty-three enucleated eyes were enrolled in this study. The mean age at diagnosis was 23.12 months. Most patients had unilateral group E retinoblastoma, with no difference in sex and laterality of the eye. Leukocoria was the most common presentation, followed by proptosis and uveitis. Older age at presentation were statistically associated with post laminar cribrosa optic nerve invasion (P-value 0.0027) and high-risk histopathological features in enucleated eyes (P-value 0.0032). Clinical presentations with proptosis were statistically associated with post laminar cribrosa optic nerve invasion, while leukocoria and uveitis were statistically associated with anterior segment invasion. Unifocal intraocular mass with necrosis was the most common histopathological finding. High-risk features were found in 45% of primary enucleated eye. The sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detected optic nerve invasion in retinoblastoma patients were 75% and 54%, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with unilateral retinoblastoma who presented with older age related to high-risk features after enucleation. Ophthalmic examination with slitlamp is the best way for detection of anterior segment invasion. Choroidal invasion was unable to predict with clinical presentation. MRI was the better imaging for detection of post laminar cribrosa optic nerve invasion.

Partial lamellar sclerouvectomy surgery for anteriorly located uveal tumour resection: a 20-year experience

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the results of partial lamellar sclerouvectomy (PLSU) for anteriorly located uveal tumours.

METHODS

We reviewed the tumour features, histopathologic findings, complications, visual acuity outcomes, eye preservation, metastasis, and mortality data of 56 cases with uveal tumours who underwent PLSU between February 1999 and February 2019.

RESULTS

The mean largest tumour base diameters were 5.8 × 3.4 mm and the mean tumour thickness was 3.3 mm. Histopathologically, 30 (53.6%) eyes had malignant melanoma, 13 (23.2%) had nevus, 5 (8.9%) had iris stromal cyst, 4 (7.1%) had melanocytoma, 2 (3.6%) had Fuchs' adenoma, 1 (1.8%) had iris pigment epithelial cyst, and 1 (1.8%) had invasive breast cancer metastasis. The most common postoperative complications included cataract in 21 (37.5%) eyes, vitreous haemorrhage in 15 (26.8%), scleral thinning in 10 (17.9%), and hyphema in 6 (10.7%). At a mean follow-up of 40.4 (range: 10-201) months, tumour recurrence was observed in 2/30 (6.7%) eyes with melanoma and 1/5 (20.0%) eye with iris stromal cyst. Eyes with recurrent melanoma were treated with enucleation. Liver metastasis developed in only 1 (3.3%) melanoma case. All patients were alive at the end of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

PLSU is a successful treatment method for many anteriorly located uveal tumours. In our series, the overall tumour recurrence and globe salvage rates were 5.4% and 96.4% respectively. Among melanoma cases, the metastasis rate was 3.3% and survival rate was 100%.

Uveal melanoma metastatic at initial diagnosis: a case series

Detectable metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis of uveal melanoma (UM) is rare. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes in patients with metastatic UM (MUM) at initial diagnosis. An institutional review board-approved retrospective case series analysis was performed in 21 patients that presented for management of MUM at initial diagnosis. Patient, tumor and treatment parameters were recorded, and ophthalmic symptoms, metastasis response and overall survival were assessed. Among 21 patients, median tumor diameter was 18 mm (range, 9.1-35 mm), with 76% classified as a Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) large size. Sites of metastasis included liver (95%), bone (29%) and lung (29%), among others, and were confirmed by biopsy in 95% of patients studied. Symptomatic primary tumors were present in 81%, causing pain (24%) or vision loss (57%). Primary tumor therapy (PTT) was provided upfront for 52% of patients with enucleation (24%) and brachytherapy (29%). Eye pain developed 3-6 months after diagnosis in four of 10 patients who did not receive upfront PTT, whereas it did not occur in any of the 11 patients who received upfront PTT (P = 0.04). PTT palliated pain in all cases. The median overall survival was 11.9 months (range, 2.5-21.1 months). Patients presenting with MUM at initial diagnosis have high-risk tumors and experience survival like patients who develop metastases metachronously. PTT is not associated with survival but may mitigate ophthalmic symptoms, especially in patients with large tumors at risk for causing symptoms.

Contemporary Update of Retinoblastoma in China: Three-Decade Changes in Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Treatments, and Outcomes

PURPOSE

To report three-decade changes of clinical characteristics, progress of treatments, and risk factors associated with mortality and enucleation in patients with retinoblastoma in China.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

This multicenter study included 2552 patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma in 38 medical centers in 31 provinces in China from 1989 to 2017, with follow-up data. Kendall's tau-b value was used to describe correlation coefficients between the three eras (between 1989 and 2008, between 2009 and 2013, and between 2014 and 2017) and clinical or demographic features. Hazard ratios and odds ratios were applied to measure risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 324 (13%) patients died and 1414 (42%) eyes were removed. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates were 95%, 86%, and 83%, respectively. Patients were diagnosed at a better stage by International Classification for Retinoblastoma over time (Kendall's tau-b value = -0.084, P < .001). Pathological risk factors were also observed less in recent eras. New conservative therapies were adopted and used in more patients. The eye removal rate gradually decreased (Kendall's tau-b value = -0.167, P < .001). The overall survival rates were 81%, 83%, and 91% in the three eras. By multivariate Cox regression, bilateral tumors and extraocular extension were identified as risk factors for death. Among intraocular disease, Group E indicated higher risk of mortality. By multivariate logistics regression, unilateral tumors, earlier era of diagnosis, and extraocular extension were risk factors for eye salvage failure. Among intraocular retinoblastoma, Groups D and E had higher risk of eye salvage failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients were diagnosed at an earlier stage in recent eras. Conservative therapies, including intra-arterial chemotherapy, were increasingly being used. The above changes may contribute to the decreasing enucleation rate. Although no significant impact was identified on the mortality by the three eras, a decreasing trend was shown.

The Incidence of Sympathetic Ophthalmia After Trauma: A Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is a rare, bilateral panuveitis that occurs following open globe injury (OGI), with a variable incidence reported in the literature. Our objective was to determine the incidence proportion and incidence rate of SO following OGI to help guide shared physician-patient decision making.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from inception to November 2020 for population-based studies on OGI and SO in adults and children. Two reviewers independently screened search results. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate the incidence proportion and incidence rate. The Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The study was registered on PROSPERO CRD42020198920.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies were utilized in the meta-analyses. After OGI, the estimated overall incidence proportion of SO was 0.19% (95% CI 0.14%-0.24%) and the incidence rate of SO was 33 per 100,000 person-years, (95% CI 19.61-56.64) with I² of 13% and 72%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SO after OGI is rare. The estimated incidence proportion and incidence rate are useful when counselling patients regarding management options after OGI. Further studies are needed to examine the influence of age, the extent and location of trauma, timing of repair, and prophylactic eye removal on the incidence of SO.

Unusual case of intraocular medulloepithelioma in an adult male

Medulloepithelioma is a rare tumor of the eye, arising from the posterior segment. This embryonic tumor is mostly seen in children and is very rare in adult population.

This case report presents the case of a 39-year-old Indian male, who had gradual vision loss over 4 years in his left eye with new onset of pain. He was referred to our center in view of secondary cataract and intraocular mass. Vision in right eye was 20/ 20 while left eye had no light perception at presentation. Ocular examination of the left eye revealed shallow anterior chamber, florid iris neovascularization, raised intraocular pressure and cataractous lens. B-scan ultrasonography showed a heterogenous mass filling the entire globe. MRI scan confirmed the finding, showing a mass hyper-intense to vitreous. No invasion of optic nerve or sclera was observed. Left eye enucleation with PMMA implant placement was performed and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of benign teratoid medulloepithelioma. At the time of submission of this report, the patient was still under follow-up and had no detectable metastases at 15 months follow-up.

This report highlights a very rare case of embryonic tumor in adult male, which could be managed successfully with a high index of suspicion and timely intervention.

Eye-Preserving Therapies for Advanced Retinoblastoma: A Multicenter Cohort of 1678 Patients in China

PURPOSE

This study attempted to estimate the impact of eye-preserving therapies for the long-term prognosis of patients with advanced retinoblastoma with regard to overall survival and ocular salvage.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study covering all 31 provinces (38 retinoblastoma treating centers) of mainland China.

PARTICIPANTS

One thousand six hundred seventy-eight patients diagnosed with group D or E retinoblastoma from January 2006 through May 2016.

METHODS

Chart review was performed. The patients were divided into primary enucleation and eye-preserving groups, and they were followed up for survival status. The impact of initial treatment on survival was evaluated by Cox analyses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall survival and final eye preservation.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 43.9 months, 196 patients (12%) died, and the 5-year overall survival was 86%. In total, the eyeball preservation rate was 48%. In this cohort, 1172 patients (70%) had unilateral retinoblastoma, whereas 506 patients (30%) had bilateral disease. For patients with unilateral disease, 570 eyes (49%) underwent primary enucleation, and 602 patients (51%) received eye-preserving therapies initially. During the follow-up (median, 45.6 months), 59 patients (10%) from the primary enucleation group and 56 patients (9.3%) from the eye-preserving group died. Multivariate Cox analyses indicated no significant difference in overall survival between the 2 groups (hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-1.84; P = 0.250). For patients with bilateral disease, 95 eyes (19%) underwent primary enucleation, and 411 patients (81%) received eye-preserving therapies initially. During the follow-up (median, 40.1 months), 12 patients (13%) from the primary enucleation group and 69 patients (17%) from the eye-preserving group died. For bilateral retinoblastoma with the worse eye classified as group E, patients undergoing primary enucleation exhibited better overall survival (HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.10-5.01; P = 0.027); however, this survival advantage was not evident until passing 22.6 months after initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Eye-preserving therapies have been used widely for advanced retinoblastoma in China. Patients with bilateral disease whose worse eye was classified as group E and who initially underwent eye-preserving therapies exhibited a worse overall survival. The choice of primary treatment for advanced retinoblastoma should be weighed carefully.

Unilateral retinoblastoma; natural history and an age-based protocol in 248 patients

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to study the clinical state and prognosis of patients with unilateral retinoblastoma who were being treated at a paediatric comprehensive cancer centre in a limited-resource country, to assess the different phases of treatment and the success of different, more complex real-life models.

SUBJECTS

In this retrospective study, we created a snapshot of our retinoblastoma database for the period between 2007 and 2015. Patients whose data were included in the study were followed up until 2016. Out of a total of 744 screened patients, we included data of 248 patients who had been diagnosed with unilateral retinoblastoma.

RESULTS

As classified as per the International Retinoblastoma Classification, 1 patient presented with group A, 21 with group B, 39 with group C, 104 with group D and 83 with group E retinoblastoma. Chemotherapy was the initial line of treatment in 115 patients and enucleation in 133 others. Later, 141 patients (56.9%) required further management. Patients had a mean ocular survival time of 20.8 months. Nine patients developed extraocular disease at a later stage of management: five after upfront enucleation and four after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Mean overall survival time stood at 90.2 months. Four and three deaths were recorded in groups D and E, respectively. A single patient died in the initial chemotherapy arm, while six passed away in the initial enucleation arm.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the importance of initial chemotherapy and close follow-up after enucleation of classes D and E affected eyes even in absence of germline mutations.

Retinoblastoma associated with orbital pseudocellulitis and high-risk retinoblastoma: a study of 32 eyes

PURPOSE

To study the correlation between retinoblastoma (RB) associated with orbital pseudocellulitis and high-risk histopathology features.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 32 patients who underwent primary enucleation for RB presenting with orbital pseudocellulitis.

RESULTS

All RB patients presented with orbital pseudocellulitis. The mean age at presentation of RB was 30 months (median, 24 months; range, 3-70 months). There were 14 (44%) males and 18 (56%) females. All patients were referred with a diagnosis of RB with orbital pseudocellulitis. Tumor was bilateral in 12 (38%) patients but orbital pseudocellulitis was unilateral in all cases. The pseudocellulitis features included proptosis (n = 9; 28%), eyelid edema (n = 22; 69%), conjunctival congestion (n = 23; 72%), and conjunctival chemosis (n = 15; 47%). Based on clinical features and orbital imaging, all patients were diagnosed to have group E intraocular RB. All patients received intravenous steroids prior to enucleation. On histopathology, tumor necrosis was present in all cases with a mean % necrosis of 60% (median, 60%; range, 10% to 90%). Most tumors (72%) were poorly differentiated. High-risk histopathology features were noted in 23 (72%) cases and adjuvant chemotherapy was advised for all these patients. The most common high-risk histopathology features included post-laminar optic nerve infiltration (34%) and scleral infiltration (22%). Over a mean follow-up period of 34 months (median, 9 months; range, < 1-188 months), there was no event of metastasis or death in any patient.

CONCLUSION

RB presenting with orbital pseudocellulitis is associated with high incidence of high-risk histopathology features.

VITREOUS SEEDING OF CHOROIDAL MELANOMA

PURPOSE

To report a case of vitreous seeding in a medium-sized choroidal melanoma and review the literature.

METHODS

Observational case report and review of literature for pathogenesis, role of vitreous biopsy, and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

A case of 57-year-old man diagnosed with vitreous seeding in the left eye 1 year after episcleral brachytherapy for medium-sized choroidal melanoma. The patient was initially diagnosed to have subretinal and vitreous hemorrhage due to rupture of a retinal artery macroaneurysm for which focal laser and intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections were administered. Over the next 9 months, the vitreous hemorrhage cleared and choroidal melanoma with retinal invasion became evident. One year after brachytherapy, the primary tumor regressed with resolution of surrounding subretinal fluid and hemorrhage. However, gradual decline in the visual acuity from 20/50 to 20/500 with increase of pigmented debris over the retinal surface and in the vitreous cavity was noted. A vitreous biopsy confirmed the presence of viable melanoma cells (epithelioid type), and the eye was enucleated. Histopathology showed microscopic persistence of primary tumor with diffuse vitreous seeding.

CONCLUSION

Vitreous seeding of choroidal melanoma poses a diagnostic and management challenge.

Histologic validation of optical coherence tomography-based three-dimensional morphometric measurements of the human optic nerve head: Methodology and preliminary results

PURPOSE

To compare the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the deep load-bearing structures of the human optic nerve head (ONH) as revealed in vivo by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) with ex vivo quantitative 3D histology.

METHODS

SDOCT imaging of the ONH was performed in six eyes from three brain-dead organ donors on life-support equipment awaiting organ procurement (in vivo conditions). Following organ procurement (ex vivo conditions), the eyes were enucleated and underwent a pars plana vitrectomy followed by pressurization to physiologic IOP and immersion fixation. Ex vivo ONH morphology was obtained from high-fidelity episcopic fluorescent 3D reconstruction. Morphologic parameters of the observed ONH canal geometry and peripapillary choroid, as well as the shape, visibility and depth of the lamina cribrosa were compared between ex vivo and in vivo measurements using custom software to align, scale, and manually delineate the different regions of the ONH.

RESULTS

There was significant correspondence between in vivo and ex vivo measurements of the depth and shape of the lamina cribrosa, along with the size and shape of Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) and anterior scleral canal opening (ASCO). Weaker correspondence was observed for choroidal thickness; as expected, a thinner choroid was seen ex vivo due to loss of blood volume upon enucleation (-79.9%, p < 0.001). In addition, the lamina was shallower (-32.3%, p = 0.0019) and BMO was smaller ex vivo (-3.38%, p = 0.026), suggesting post mortem shrinkage of the fixed tissue. On average, while highly variable, only 31% of the anterior laminar surface was visible in vivo with SDOCT (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Morphologic parameters by SDOCT imaging of the deep ONH showed promising correspondence to histology metrics. Small but significant shrinkage artifact, along with large effects of exsanguination of the choroid, was seen in the ex vivo reconstructions of fixed tissues that may impact the quantification of ex vivo histoarchitecture, and this should be considered when developing models and biomarkers based on ex vivo imaging of fixed tissue. Lack of visibly of most of the lamina surface in SDOCT images is an important limitation to metrics and biomarkers based on in vivo images of the ONH deep tissues.

Outcomes of Intravenous Chemotherapy (Chemoreduction) for Retinoblastoma Based on Patient Age in 964 Eyes of 554 Patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate retinoblastoma control after intravenous chemotherapy (chemoreduction) by patient age at presentation.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

This study included 964 eyes of 554 patients treated with chemoreduction at Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital. Patients received 6 monthly cycles of standard chemoreduction. Additional therapies for tumor control were performed as needed.

RESULTS

Of 964 eyes, a comparison by age group (<6 months vs. 6-12 months vs. 13-24 months vs. >24 months) revealed more advanced age group with higher frequency of group E tumor (15% vs. 25% vs. 32% vs. 39%, P < 0.001). By treatment outcomes, complete tumor control was achieved with chemoreduction alone more often in less advanced age group (46% vs. 30% vs. 17% vs. 8%, P < 0.001). Additional treatment after chemoreduction was needed more often in more advanced age group with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT; 9% vs. 16% vs. 20% vs. 15%, P = 0.006) or enucleation (12% vs. 18% vs. 26% vs. 37%, P < 0.001). Over time (1994-1998 vs. 1999-2003 vs. 2004-2008 vs. 2009-2013 vs. 2014-2019), the paradigm for additional required treatment after chemoreduction shifted toward less EBRT (27% vs. 24% vs. 14% vs. 7% vs. 2%, P < 0.001) and more intra-arterial (0% vs. 0% vs. 1% vs. 25% vs. 48%, P < 0.001) and intravitreal (0% vs. 0% vs. 3% vs. 10% vs. 20%, P < 0.001) chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoreduction is a safe and effective treatment method for patients with retinoblastoma, demonstrating the best tumor control in the younger age groups.

Instrument Gauge and Type in Uveal Melanoma Fine Needle Biopsy: Implications for Diagnostic Yield and Molecular Prognostication

PURPOSE

To systematically evaluate and compare the effects of using small-gauge needles and vitrectors on the ability to obtain adequate diagnostic and prognostic uveal melanoma biopsy specimens.

DESIGN

Comparative evaluation of biopsy instruments.

METHODS

Survival of uveal melanoma cells was evaluated in vitro following needle aspiration. Five therapeutically enucleated eyes were sampled in triplicate for ex vivo diagnostic biopsy experiments with 25 gauge (25 G) needle, 27 gauge (27 G) needle, and 27 G vitrector. During surgery in 8 patients, paired diagnostic transscleral fine needle aspiration biopsies were performed using both 25 G and 27 G needles. A review of cytologic specimens was performed by a panel of 3 expert cytopathologists. A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate 100 consecutive tumors undergoing prognostic biopsy for gene expression profiling to assess the relationship between needle gauge and prognostic adequacy.

RESULTS

No significant cell shearing of uveal melanoma cells occurred in vitro with 25 G, 27 G, or 30 G needles. For ex vivo biopsy samples, diagnostic yield was 100% using 25 G needle (5/5) or 27 G vitrector (5/5) but 60% using a 27 G needle (3/5). For in vivo samples, no difference in diagnostic yield was found between 25 G (75%, 6/8) or 27 G (75%, 6/8) needle sizes. Of 100 molecular prognostic biopsy samples evaluated, 65 were obtained using 27 G needles; for these biopsies, the prognostic yield was 65/65 (100%).

CONCLUSIONS

For diagnostic biopsy of uveal melanoma, a larger-gauge needle or a 27 G vitrector may have better overall cellularity and diagnostic yield when compared to a 27 G needle. However, for much more common molecular prognostic testing, a 27 G needle provided adequate sample in 100% (65/65) of cases, and a larger needle provided no additional benefit.

Modern treatment of retinoblastoma: A 2020 review

Retinoblastoma management remains complex, requiring individualized treatment based on International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) staging, germline mutation status, family psychosocial factors and cultural beliefs, and available institutional resources. For this 2020 retinoblastoma review, PubMed was searched for articles dated as early as 1931, with an emphasis on articles from 1990 to the present day, using keywords of retinoblastoma, chemotherapy, intravenous chemotherapy, chemoreduction, intra-arterial chemotherapy, ophthalmic artery chemosurgery, intravitreal chemotherapy, intracameral chemotherapy, cryotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, laser, radiation, external beam radiotherapy, plaque radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and enucleation. We discuss current treatment modalities as used in the year 2020, including intravenous chemotherapy (IVC), intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC), intravitreal chemotherapy (IvitC), intracameral chemotherapy (IcamC), consolidation therapies (cryotherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy [TTT]), radiation-based therapies (external beam radiotherapy [EBRT] and plaque radiotherapy), and enucleation. Additionally, we present a consensus treatment algorithm based on the agreement of three North American retinoblastoma treatment centers, and encourage further collaboration amongst the world's most expert retinoblastoma treatment centers in order to develop consensus management plans and continue advancement in the identification and treatment of this childhood cancer.

Primary Intrabulbar Neurofibroma

PURPOSE

Eye globe enucleation due to other than a malignant tumor is very rare today. Solitary intraocular neurofibroma without other signs of neurofibromatosis is a rare benign tumor and few cases have been reported to date.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 10 year interval from Jan 1 2007 to Dec 31 2016 we analyzed non-malignant eye globe enucleations.

RESULTS

Of the 49 enucleated blind eyes, each patient had visual acuity with no light perception, 34 (69.4%) were indicated for enucleation due to complications following previous postoperative surgery after trauma, 14 patients (28.6%) were due to secondary glaucoma and other complications following previous intraocular surgery, and in one patient (2%) the primary isolated intraocular neurofibroma was verified after enucleation.

CASE REPORT

A patient with isolated intrabulbar neurofibroma has been monitored since childhood for intraocular lesion and histologically verified at adult age. At the time of enucleation, he was 25 years old, squint since childhood and was observed for hamartoma in his right eye since he was 13 years old. Due to the progression of intrabulbar lesion, loss of visual acuity (functional state - no light perception) and secondary glaucoma, the right eye globe was enucleated at adult age and histopathological examination confirmed intraocular neurofibroma in the absence of neurofibromatosis.

CONCLUSION

Every enucleated eye globe should be subjected to a thorough histopathological examination. Isolated intraocular neurofibromas can occur as isolated orbital or intrabulbar masses without systemic features.

Multicentric recurrent uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma is a rare malignancy originating from melanocytes within the uveal tract of the eye. True multifocal uveal melanomas (>2melanomas in 1 eye) occurring in the same eye are very rare. We report a clinically and histologically well-documented case of a patient who presented with 3 uveal melanoma lesions in the same eye over a span of 2.5 years. The eye had to be enucleated finally and diagnosis confirmed histologically. This case report highlights the need for a close follow-up, even after successful treatment of the presenting lesion in uveal melanomas.

Clinical spectrum and treatment outcome of retinoblastoma with Group D and E diseases: A single institution retrospective review

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the ocular survival and event-free survival after multimodal therapy for group D and E of retinoblastoma (RB). Enucleation of group D and E is controversial as the risks of chemotherapy must be weighed against the potential for vision.A 10-year retrospective study from one center of 86 patients with advanced intraocular disease defined as International Classification Retinoblastoma (ICRB) group "D" or "E." Cases with visible extraocular extension at diagnosis were excluded. Ocular survival and patient survival were assessed. Indirect ophthalmoscopy at examination under anesthesia to visualize the tumor was used to evaluate clinical response.The median onset age in 86 patients with group D or E eye was 16 months (1-167 months). There were 29 (34%) bilateral cases. Leukocoria was the most common presentation sign (61%). Chemoreduction was primarily used in the treatment of intraocular RB. Selective ophthalmic arterial injection (SOAI) was applied as a component of multimodal therapy in 34 of the 86 cases. The globe preservation rate in patients with group D or E eyes was 19%. Using chemoreduction for advanced eyes, more eyes are being preserved which enables 70% 5-year ocular survival in patients with group D eyes.In triaging appropriate patients, multidisciplinary strategy can reduce tumor size with chemoreduction and consolidate the regressed tumor with local ophthalmic therapy to ensure globe salvage.

Chromosome 6p Amplification in Aqueous Humor Cell-Free DNA Is a Prognostic Biomarker for Retinoblastoma Ocular Survival

Aqueous humor contains tumor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and can serve as a liquid biopsy for retinoblastoma. We previously associated somatic copy-number alteration (SCNA) 6p gain with a 10-fold increased risk of enucleation. Here we provide a 2-year update to further explore 6p gain as a prognostic biomarker for ocular survival. Patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma from December 2014 to July 2019 from whom aqueous humor was sampled were included. cfDNA was extracted and shallow whole-genome sequencing performed to identify highly recurrent retinoblastoma SCNAs (gain of 1q, 2p, 6p, loss of 13q, 16q). 116 aqueous humor samples from 50 eyes of 46 patients were included: 27 eyes were salvaged, 23 were enucleated. Highly recurrent retinoblastoma SCNAs were found in 66% eyes. 6p gain was the most prevalent SCNA (50% eyes). It was particularly more prevalent in enucleated eyes (73.9%) than in salvaged eyes (29.6%; P = 0.004). 6p gain in aqueous humor cfDNA portended nearly 10-fold increased odds of enucleation (OR = 9.87; 95% confidence interval = 1.75-55.65; P = 0.009). In the enucleated eyes, 6p gain was associated with aggressive histopathologic features, including necrosis, higher degrees of anaplasia, and focal invasion of ocular structures. With extended follow-up and nearly double the aqueous humor samples, we continue to demonstrate 6p gain as a potential prognostic biomarker for retinoblastoma. IMPLICATIONS: Aqueous humor is a high-yield source of tumor-derived DNA in retinoblastoma eyes. Detection of 6p gain in the aqueous humor allows for targeted, patient-centered therapies based on this molecular prognostic marker. Prospective, multicenter studies with aqueous humor sampled from all eyes at diagnosis are warranted to validate these findings.

Intraocular Dissemination of Uveal Melanoma Cells Following Radiotherapy: Evolving Management Over the Past Decade

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To describe the presentation and the authors' evolving management strategy for intraocular dissemination of uveal melanoma cells following radiotherapy during the past decade.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with uveal melanoma who developed intraocular dissemination of pigmented cells following radiotherapy. Histopathology was available in two cases.

RESULTS

Four patients underwent treatment for progressive intraocular dissemination of uveal melanoma cells at 9 to 41 months following I-125 plaque radiotherapy (three patients) or proton beam radiotherapy (one patient). Treatments included primary enucleation (one patient), vitrectomy followed later by enucleation (one patient), and vitrectomy followed by intravitreal chemotherapy (two patients). Enucleated eyes demonstrated diffuse invasion of intraocular tissues by viable melanoma cells. No patient has developed systemic metastasis to date.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraocular dissemination of pigmented cells following radiotherapy for uveal melanoma should raise suspicion for viable invasive melanoma cells. Prompt vitrectomy with intravitreal chemotherapy can be effective in avoiding enucleation in selected cases. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:573-579.].

Nuclear expression of BAP-1 in transvitreal incisional biopsies and subsequent enucleation of eyes with posterior choroidal melanoma

BACKGROUND

As a majority of patients with choroidal melanoma do not undergo enucleation, tumour tissue for prognostic testing has to be obtained with alternate methods. Transvitreal incisional biopsies enable histological examination as well as immunohistochemical staining of BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP-1).

METHODS

Fifty-nine patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma in transvitreal biopsies between years 2003 and 2019 were included. Twenty-one of these patients subsequently underwent enucleation. The level of nuclear expression of BAP-1 in transvitreal biopsies and enucleations was evaluated and the concordance calculated. Metastasis-free survival and HR for metastasis were analysed.

RESULTS

The mean tumour thickness and diameter at biopsy was 3.8 mm (SD 2.1) and 9.3 mm (SD 4.8), respectively. For biopsies, 37 of 59 tumours (63%) were classified as having high nuclear BAP-1 expression, and 22 (37%) as low. For enucleations, 13 of 21 tumours (62%) were classified as having high nuclear BAP-1 expression, and 8 (38%) as low. Eighty-six per cent of biopsies had an identical BAP-1 classification as the subsequent enucleation, yielding a Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.70. Patients with low nuclear BAP-1 expression in transvitreal biopsies had a significantly shorter metastasis-free survival (p=0.001), with a size-adjusted Cox regression HR for metastasis of 13.0 (95% CI 3.1 to 54.4, p=0.0004).

CONCLUSION

Loss of nuclear BAP-1 expression occurred in a large proportion of the small tumours included in this study. BAP-1 immunoreactivity in transvitreal incisional biopsies of choroidal melanoma is substantially concordant with immunoreactivity in enucleated specimens and identifies patients with poor metastasis-free survival.

Lessons Learned from Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been an area of interest in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine for the past 20 years. The main biological goal of SCNT is to reverse the differentiated state of a somatic cell, for the purpose of creating blastocysts from which embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can be derived for therapeutic cloning, or for the purpose of reproductive cloning. However, the consensus is that the low efficiency in creating normal viable offspring in animals by SCNT (1–5%) and the high number of abnormalities seen in these cloned animals is due to epigenetic reprogramming failure. In this review we provide an overview of the current literature on SCNT, focusing on protocol development, which includes early SCNT protocol deficiencies and optimizations along with donor cell type and cell cycle synchrony; epigenetic reprogramming in SCNT; current protocol optimizations such as nuclear reprogramming strategies that can be applied to improve epigenetic reprogramming by SCNT; applications of SCNT; the ethical and legal implications of SCNT in humans; and specific lessons learned for establishing an optimized SCNT protocol using a mouse model.