Retinoblastoma with MYCN Amplification Diagnosed from Cell-Free DNA in the Aqueous Humor

Introduction

The objective of this study was to report the clinicopathologic features of three cases of MYCN-amplified retinoblastoma identified genetically by aqueous humor sampling.

Methods

Whole-genome sequencing was performed using isolated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from aqueous humor of 3 retinoblastoma patients. We analyzed genomic copy number and mutational alterations, histologic and pathologic features, and clinical data.

Results

The most common genetic alteration identified in these three retinoblastoma cases was a focal MYCN amplification on 2p. All tumors showed an early age of diagnosis with a median of 9 months. The tumor histopathologic features included neovascularization and subretinal seeding in case 1, diffuse nature with choroidal and prelaminar optic nerve invasion in case 2, and complete vitreous seeding in case 3. Case 1 expressed RB protein and had no RB1 mutation, case 2 did not express RB protein and had an RB1 mutation, and case 3 did not express RB protein and likely had an epigenetic effect on RB expression.

Conclusions

Our report shows 3 cases of unilateral retinoblastomas diagnosed in patients ranging from 4 months to 18 months old. Genomic analysis from AH cfDNA revealed MYCN amplification with intact RB protein staining in case 1 and lack of RB staining in cases 2 and 3. RB1 mutational analysis in the AH confirmed a pathogenic variant in case 2. Clinical pathology showed features requiring aggressive treatment, specifically enucleation.

Importance

MYCN-amplified retinoblastomas demonstrate unique pathogenesis and aggressive behavior, regardless if MYCN is a primary or secondary driver of disease. Genomic analysis from aqueous humor may be useful when deciding to enucleate as opposed to treating conservatively. Focal MYCN amplification on 2p might be relevant for tumor growth in this subset of the retinoblastoma population in terms of targeted therapeutics.

Coats' syndrome: A rare cause of infant leukocoria to keep in mind

Leukocoria is an aberration of the eyeball that interferes with normal reflection. It shows up as a white or gray pupillary reflex rather than the bright red or orange pupil of the other eye. Leukocoria can be brought on by a variety of ocular pathologies, with retinoblastoma being the most common. We present the case of a 17-month-old guy who had unilateral leukocoria and whose orbital MRI was ordered on the basis of retinoblastoma suspicion. The results, however, were more suggestive of Coats disease than retinoblastoma. Telangiectasia and exudate, which frequently afflict males' unilateral eyes, are the hallmarks of Coats' illness. Depending on the stage of the disease, there are differences in its severity, course, and outlook. It is crucial to get therapy and a diagnosis for retinal problems as soon as possible. Although uncommon, there are still many people who are not familiar with Coats' disease. This paper aims to describe imaging findings in Coats' disease.

Knowledge and attitude toward eye disorders in children among pediatricians and family physicians: a survey study

BACKGROUND

Vision-related disorders are common in children. Therefore, eye examination and thorough visual assessment by first-contact physicians are crucial in children. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of and attitude toward children's eye disorders among pediatricians and family physicians in the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs-Western Region (MNGHA-WR) of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

In this observational, cross-sectional study, we used a self-administered, web-based questionnaire. The sample size was calculated to be 148 pediatricians and family physicians (of 240 in total) currently working at MNGHA-WR. The first section of the questionnaire dwelled on demographics, while the second section addressed the physician's knowledge of and attitude toward commonly encountered ophthalmological pathologies in children. Data collected were entered into Microsoft Excel and then transferred to IBM SPSS version 22 for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 148 responses (92 family physicians and 56 pediatricians) were received. Most of the participants were residents or staff physicians (n = 105, 70.9%). The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 54.67% ± 14.5%. Participants' knowledge was further subclassified using Bloom's original cutoff points into high (n = 4, 2.7%), moderate (n = 53, 35.8%), and low (n = 91, 61.5%) levels of knowledge. Regarding practices, 120 (81%) participants performed ophthalmic examinations; however, only 39 (26.4%) conducted routine examinations as part of every child's visit. Fundus examinations were performed by 25 (16.9%) physicians. A significant deficiency in knowledge was noted in those with < 1 year of work experience (P = 0.014). Although statistically not significant (P = 0.052), family physicians possessed better knowledge than pediatricians regarding children's eye disorders. On the contrary, more pediatricians performed eye examinations than family physicians (P = 0.015). The male sex was also associated with higher rates of eye examination (P = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

An unsatisfactory level of knowledge of eye disease among participating doctors was reported. The proportion was significantly higher among residents and staff physicians. Therefore, awareness efforts should be incorporated in both family medicine and pediatrics residency programs to limit the number of cases of ocular disorders going undiagnosed in children.

Xp11.3 microdeletion causing Norrie disease and X-linked Kabuki syndrome

Purpose

To describe a novel case of Norrie disease and X-linked Kabuki syndrome caused by a microdeletion encompassing multiple genes on the X chromosome.

Observations

A 3-day-old boy born at full term had bilateral retrolental fibrovascular plaques. Surgery with lensectomy and vitrectomy revealed bilateral, closed funnel retinal detachments consistent with a clinical diagnosis of Norrie disease. In addition, the baby had congenital heart defects, hearing loss, and dysmorphic facies. His mother carried a clinical diagnosis of Kabuki syndrome. Genetic testing of the baby revealed an Xp11.3 microdeletion that included the NDP and KDM6A genes, confirming the baby had both Norrie disease and X-linked Kabuki syndrome. The mother was found via ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography to have asymptomatic peripheral retinal vascular anomalies, consistent with NDP-associated familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR).

Conclusions and importance

This is the first reported case of Norrie disease together with X-linked Kabuki syndrome. Contiguous gene deletions may explain some of the variable systemic involvement in Norrie disease.

Clinicopathological Correlations in Enucleated Globes of Late-Stage Coats Disease with a Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Coats disease may cause diagnostic dilemma because of its variable clinical presentation that can be suspicious of retinoblastoma. Late sequelae of the disease are blinding with possible enucleation. We demonstrate the main histopathological findings of Coats enucleated eyes with literature review.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all enucleated globes diagnosed as Coats disease over 30 years and were reviewed by two pathologists. The corresponding demographic data, clinical presentation, pre-operative clinical impression, and indication for enucleation were collected. Descriptive analysis of our own series data was performed. Our findings were then correlated to published data that were collected from 1983 to 2021 from the PUBMED database in English-written language. Shields classification was used as an inclusion criterion for the published reports to be analyzed.

RESULTS

We had seven enucleated globes with Coats disease. Mean age at presentation was 3.2 years (range 3 months to 9 years). Male predominance was observed in 6 and all cases were unilateral. Strabismus was the most common initial presentation (57%, n = 4), followed by leukocoria (43%, n = 3). Indication for enucleation was mostly suspected retinoblastoma (57%, n = 4). Four eyes were classified as stage 4, and 2 had advanced stage 5 changes. Histopathologically, subretinal fluid with lipid-laden macrophages was seen in all cases, the anterior chamber was shallow in 5/7 with angle neovascularization in 2/7. Telangiectatic vessels were clearly observed in 4/7.

CONCLUSION

Coats disease is a potentially visually disabling disease that is mostly unilateral in 95%, has male predominance of 81%, and wide age range with a mean of 17 years. In Saudi Arabia, the disease seems to present at younger age, tends to be more advanced, and may be indistinguishable from retinoblastoma at the time of diagnosis. Shields staging of Coats is highly recommended to be followed clinically to unify the pathways for treatment and to correlate the concluded outcomes.

Coats plus syndrome: a rare cause of severe gastrointestinal tract bleeding in children - a case report

Background

Coats plus syndrome, cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts, is a rare disease with autosomal recessive pattern occurring due to a mutation in CTC1, encoding conserved telomere maintenance component 1, gene. Besides retinal involvement, abnormalities in brain and osteopenia, serious life-threatening bleeding in gastrointestinal tract and portal hypertension can be observed.

Case presentation

A 6-year-old girl with Coats plus syndrome presented to the pediatric emergency department with vomiting blood and blood in stool. An upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed esophageal varices and vascular telangiectasia in the pyloric antrum, duodenum, and colon. She received palliative care and the bleeding was stopped after receiving intravenous octreotide. She then was followed in the pediatric gastroenterology, neurology, and ophthalmology clinics. She was later hospitalized and admitted to the intensive care unit as she continued to have intermittent gastrointestinal system bleeding. She eventually died due to severe gastrointestinal system bleeding.

Conclusions

Coats plus syndrome can lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding and portal hypertension. As Coats plus syndrome is quite rare, there is little published data on this syndrome. This report presents a case of Coats plus syndrome as a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and portal hypertension.

Evaluation of the red reflex: An overview for the pediatrician

BACKGROUND

Red reflex test (RRT) is a simple, non-invasive method that can be performed easily by pediatricians during the clinical examination in neonatal period, infancy and childhood. Abnormal reflexes can lead to prompt diagnosis of several ocular disorders, with potentially severe consequences on patient’s vision, cognitive function and even life.

AIM

To underline the contribution of pediatricians to early detection of vision and life threatening diseases by using RRT effectively.

METHODS

For the present systematic review, PubMed searches were performed using the key words “red reflex and newborn”; “red reflex and neonate”; “red reflex and complications”; “red reflex and necessity”; “red reflex and retinoblastoma”; “red reflex and congenital cataract”; “red reflex and glaucoma”; “red reflex and prematurity”; “red reflex and leukocoria”; “red reflex and blindness”; “red reflex sensitivity and specificity”; “red reflex and differential diagnosis”; “red reflex and guidelines”. The relevant articles were selected without language restrictions. When a full-text publication was not available, their English abstracts were used. In some cases, studies from the reference lists of the selected articles provided useful information. The research took place in September 2020, in the Ophthalmology Department of University Hospital of Alexandroupolis.

RESULTS

A total of 45 articles were selected according to the used key words. After reviewing data from these articles, it is supported that red reflex remains an effective tool of undeniable importance for early detection of severe eye conditions, such as cataract, retinoblastoma, retinopathy of prematurity and glaucoma. Although literature reports some limitations of RRT, including a notable percentage of false positive tests, the inability to detect small, peripheral retinoblastomas and the lower sensitivity for posterior segment pathology, it is widely accepted that the benefits from the regular evaluation of the test on public health are significant. Therefore, RRT has been established by international guidelines and should be an essential component of pediatricians clinical practice. Red reflex implementation should be incorporated in pediatricians educational programs, so that they would be able to provide quality services and safe diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of RRT should be encouraged in all neonatal/pediatric departments. Prompt education of pediatricians should be empowered in order to achieve careful vision screening, according to current guidelines.

Case report: A case of Norrie disease due to deletion of the entire coding region of NDP gene

Purpose

Norrie disease is a rare X-linked recessive vitreoretinopathy. Variants of the NDP gene are associated with this condition. This case reports aims to demonstrate the variations of clinical presentations and exam findings of this disease.

Observations

A retrospective chart review of the patient's ocular and systemic findings and imaging results was performed. The patient had received genetic testing, including mutational analysis of targeted genes associated with retrolental masses. The patient had a comprehensive eye exam for bilateral leukocoria, demonstrating large retrolental masses, anterior polar cataracts, stretched ciliary processes, and roving eye movements. B-scan ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging indicated total, funnel-shaped retinal detachments, which is a unique retinal configuration in Norrie disease. Genetic testing confirmed deletion of the coding region of all three exons in the NDP gene, which confirmed Norrie disease. He has not shown any extraocular involvement to date.

Conclusions and Importance

This is a case demonstrating the association between deletion of the coding region NDP gene and Norrie disease. The phenotypical variation of this disease warrants further studies of genotype-phenotype correlations and mutations of the NDP gene.

Bilateral Retinoblastoma Presenting in an in vitro Fertilization Infant with Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and retinoblastoma (RB) are well-described entities in premature babies. Although their pathogeneses are different, with ROP representing a disorder of interrupted development and RB a genetic disease, a few co-occurring cases have been reported, raising the possibility that the 2 conditions. Here, we report the sixth such case of co-occurring ROP and RB in an 8-month-old infant conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) who developed bilateral retinoblastoma a few months after treatment for advanced-stage ROP. While the ROP was initially adequately managed, bilateral RB necessitated bilateral enucleation. This case raises a number of important questions about whether IVF, ROP, and RB are causally related. Although the associations between IVF, ROP, and RB are likely to be coincidental, this case nevertheless highlights that ROP patients require regular follow-up for early diagnosis and treatment of ocular sequelae including RB.

Neonatal Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common ocular malignancy of childhood. With an estimated 300 cases annually in the United States, retinoblastoma is nevertheless considered a rare tumor. Although retinoblastoma primarily affects younger children, diagnosis during the neonatal age range is less common. However, an understanding of patients at risk is critical for appropriate screening. Early detection and treatment by a multidisciplinary specialty team maximizes the chance for survival and ocular/vision salvage while minimizing treatment-related toxicity. Testing for alterations in the RB1 gene has become standard practice, and informs screening and genetic counseling recommendations for patients and their families.

Red reflex test at the maternity hospital: results from a tertiary hospital and variables associated with inconclusive test results

OBJECTIVES

Describe the results of the red reflex test in full-term newborns, as well as identify factors associated with red reflex test outcome and compare hospital length of stay between patients with inconclusive and normal red reflex test results.

METHODS

Descriptive cross-sectional study of the results of the red reflex test performed in a tertiary hospital maternity unit between 2014 and 2018. A nested case-control study was also performed to search for anthropometric, gestational, and neonatal variables associated with the outcome of the red reflex test.

RESULTS

There were121 identified cases of inconclusive red reflex test in 11,833 newborns. Sixteen alterations were confirmed, four considered severe: two cases of congenital glaucoma, one of cataract, and one of coloboma. Mean birth weight (p=0.04), length (p=0.03), and head circumference (p=0.02) were lower in patients with inconclusive red reflex test; however without a relevant effect size (d=-0.21, -0.22, and -0.25, respectively).The proportion of white, mixed-race, and black patients was significantly different between the groups (p<0.001), with a higher chance of inconclusive results in mixed-race (OR=2.22) and black (OR=3.37) patients when compared to whites. An inconclusive red reflex test led to an increase in hospital length of stay from 62 to 82hours (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The red reflex test was able to identify four severe alterations in 11,833 newborns (0.03%). In the 121 newborns in which the red reflex test was classified as inconclusive, there was a 20-hour increase in the hospital length of stay, but a severe alteration was confirmed in only 3.3% of them. Differences in red reflex between white, mixed-race, and black patients should be considered.

Primary Intraocular Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor Mimicking Retinoblastoma in a Child

Primary rhabdoid tumors are highly malignant, rare tumors occurring in the renal, extrarenal soft tissue or central nervous system. They have non-specific radiological features and present with several histological components that create a problem in differential diagnosis with other embryonal tumors. We report a rare case of malignant rhabdoid tumor of the retina that presented with clinical features like those of retinoblastoma.

Clinical and pathological characterization of persistent fetal vasculature associated with vitreous hemorrhage

Purpose

To provide clinical and pathological features of posterior persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) presenting with vitreous hemorrhage.

Observations

Case 1 was a one-year old male with PFV reaching up to the posterior lens capsule. Case 2 and 3 both had history of blunt trauma. B-scans in cases 2 and 3 revealed vitreous hemorrhage and an intravitreal tissue attached to the optic disc. Pre-operative visual acuity in cases 1, 2 and 3 was undetermined due to age, hand motion and light perception, respectively. During vitrectomy, a fibrotic stalk attached to the optic nerve was removed, which consisted of fibrovascular tissue enveloping pockets of hemorrhage histopathologically. The fibrovascular tissue contained smooth muscle actin (SMA) positive spindle-shaped myofibroblasts in one case and hemosiderin-laden macrophages in another case. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) stain was focally positive in two specimens. The proliferation index was low using Ki-67 stain in all cases. Post-operative visual acuity in case 3 remained unchanged, while improved in case 2 from hand motion to 20/70. There was no recurrence of the vitreous hemorrhage.

Conclusion and Importance

Vitreous hemorrhage may occur in cases of PFV with or without history of blunt trauma. Hemorrhage within the persistent fetal vasculature may become organized with reactive process in the hyaloid stalk. The fibrovascular stalk contained astrocytes and myelofibroblasts which contribute to the formation and contractile function of PFV, respectively. The outcomes following vitrectomy seemed to be satisfactory.

Don't Miss This! Red Flags in the Pediatric Eye Examination: Abnormal Red Reflex

Abnormal red reflexes in children can be signs of serious vision and life-threatening problems. Bilateral abnormality or asymmetry in color or brightness of the red reflex can represent entities such as anisometropia, strabismus, cataracts, or retinoblastoma and requires prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

Youngest reported Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis case

Purpose

Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU) is a mysterious but rapidly devastating intraocular inflammatory disease reported only from Nepal during odd years after monsoon. Though it predominantly affects children, it has been reported between 9 months and 50 years age. But herein, we report a case of SHAPU in a 38-days-baby during 2017 SHAPU outbreak.

Observations

Parents of a 38-days-healthy male baby from Pokhara noticed redness in child's right eye since 5 days (October 2017). They noticed the fall of a white moth from the tubelight over the child's face 1-day prior to symptom onset. On examination, both eyes followed and fixated at light. The right eye was congested with dense anterior chamber reaction and white pupillary reflex obscuring the glow of the retina. Ultrasonography showed hyperechoic vitreous shadows with choroidal thickening. Left eye was normal. The child underwent vitreous tap with core vitrectomy + lensectomy with intravitreal antibiotics and steroid ↓GA. The blood investigations were normal and the vitreous sample yielded no organism growth. Viral PCR analysis was negative. The intraocular inflammation decreased and fundal glow was visible.

Conclusions

AND IMPORTANCE: SHAPU can occur in a child as young as 38 days. Link with moth remains the strongest suspect.

Contemporary management of retinoblastoma in the context of a low-resource country

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common ocular cancer, and it typically presents before the age of 5 years in over 90% of cases. In high resource countries, RB patients tend to survive and retain their sight. This is not the case in low-resource countries because of late presentation and delayed intervention arising mostly from sociocultural and socioeconomic challenges. RB has no gender or racial predilection; the incidence is estimated as 1:16,000-1:18,000 live-births or 11/1 million children under 5 years. Most of the world's RB cases are found in Asia and Africa while most RB treatment centres are in America and Europe. RB is easy to detect by caregivers as a glowing white 'cat eye reflex' at night or when captured on camera. Health workers at primary care level can detect RB in early life if red reflex test and/or squint (Hirschberg) tests are deployed as part of wellness checks done especially during routine immunisation and well-baby clinics in the first 24 months of life. In most cases of RB, biopsies for histological confirmation are not required for diagnosis and treatment decisions to be made. Clinical information, ophthalmic evaluation and imaging modalities are typically used. There have been significant changes in the management of RB using various treatment modalities such as enucleation with orbital implant, use of chemotherapy delivered through intravenous, intravitreal, periocular and intra-arterial routes and targeted treatment with laser, cryotherapy and brachytherapy. Algorithm for management and development of the national RB program within the context of a low-resource country is presented from review of data extracted from Mendeley library, PubMed library, Google Scholar and One Network; full-text articles were mostly retrieved through the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Asymptomatic endophthalmitis following strabismus correction in a pediatric patient

Endophthalmitis is most commonly seen in adults shortly after cataract surgery. It is rare in the pediatric population. Presented here is a case of endophthalmitis following strabismus repair in a 9-month-old patient with Trisomy 21. Leukocoria was observed 15 days after surgery, but the child did not exhibit symptoms of infection, and the ordering clinician requested an MRI of thebrain and orbits to assess the possibility of retinoblastoma. This case highlights the importance of MRI in the evaluation of leukocoria and displays typical MRI findings of this infrequently-encountered condition in the pediatric population.

Retinoblastoma: The importance of early diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

Retinoblastoma is the most frequent malignant intraocular tumour in childhood, and both its cure and the sequelae arising from it, mainly depend on an early diagnosis. There is currently no consensus on its diagnostic and therapeutic management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A descriptive, retrospective, and non-randomised study was conducted on a series of cases (39 patients -58 eyes), treated during the period 2006-2013, in the Regional Reference Centre for Tumours of the National Health Service Quality Agency.

RESULTS

The most frequent presentation sign is leukocoria (71.8%), followed by strabismus (17.9%). All cases of bilateral tumour had a germline mutation of the RB1 gene, and 20% had a family history. Stage E was observed in 55% of the patients, and 90% required chemotherapy treatment. The eye was maintained in 57% of those who had mild stages, compared to 43% who maintained it in advanced stages.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis included 58 eyes. There are no previous studies in our community and there are few series so numerous throughout the country. Based on non-standardised treatment, the most appropriate is chosen according to the characteristics of the tumour. The multidisciplinary management, formed by ophthalmology, paediatric oncology, radiotherapy, and radiophysical oncology, is fundamental for the selection of the most appropriate treatment. Chemo-reduction, along with consolidation treatments, offers encouraging results in the control of these tumours, especially in those of less severity. Enucleation continues to be the method of choice in the most advanced staging with vitreous involvement, with the importance of early diagnosis being highlighted.

Retinoblastoma: towards an earlier diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

The number of enucleations and visual sequels due to retinoblastoma is high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different diagnostic aspects and propose strategies that might improve the clinical management of this condition.

METHOD

A retrospective study was conducted on 38 patients with retinoblastoma studied genetically (29 unilateral, 9 bilateral). The evaluation included: age of onset, clinical signs, and time since onset, number of enucleations, time to diagnosis, and survival at 5 years.

RESULTS

Leukocoria was the main clinical sign (present in 90% of cases). The mean diagnostic delay was 3.2 months. Among the unilateral cases, the eyes were enucleated in 76%, and 55% in the bilateral forms. Only one death was found among the 25 patients followed-up for at least 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Retinoblastoma diagnostic and treatment strategies need to be updated. Good coordination between paediatricians and ophthalmologists is essential for this. Its management in reference centres, which have the necessary technology and experience, should contribute to increase the rate of organ preservation.

[Retinoblastoma and retinocytoma (retinoma)]

Retinoblastomas are extremely rare withabout half of the cases being hereditary eye neoplasms in young children. They show highly proliferative, CRX-positive undifferentiated tumour cells (occasionally forming rosettes). Staging is performed according to the pTNM classification and the International Retinoblastoma Staging System (IRSS). The diagnostic basis for systemic administration of chemotherapy and/or radiation is postlaminar optic nerve invasion, massive choroidal tumour infiltration, scleral invasion or even extraocular invasion. In cases that are difficult to diagnose, immunohistochemical stains (CRX and Ki67) may be very helpful. Retinocytomas (retinomas) completely lack undifferentiated tumour cell areas, show an exclusive photoreceptor differentiation and an exceptionally low Ki67 index.

[Rare causes of childhood leukocoria]

PURPOSE

The purpose was to record the causes of leukocoria among children under 10years of age and to determine the proportion of rare causes of leukocoria.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted over a period of ten years, from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2013, in patients under 10years of age who were referred for leukocoria.

RESULTS

Leukocoria represented one of the ten reasons for consultation among children under 10years of age. The mean age of our patients was 42.5months. In 76 % of cases, the leukocoria patients were children under 6years of age. Male patients were affected more commonly, with a sex-ratio of 1.5. Patients coming from Dakar and its suburbs represented two thirds of the total. Bilateral involvement represented 53.7 % of the total. Cataracts were responsible for 74.3 % of cases, retinoblastoma 20.58 %, retinal detachment 0.96 %, retinopathy of prematurity 0.96 %, pupillary membrane persistence 0.96 %, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous 0.64 %, endophthalmitis 0.64 %, optic nerve coloboma 0.32 %, iris heterochromia 0.32 % and ametropia 0.32 %.

DISCUSSION

The total percentage of rare causes was 5.12 % in our study, including one case of hyperopia. These etiologies, although rare, do exist.

CONCLUSION

Rare causes of leukocoria require special attention. The discovery of leukocoria necessitates rigorous etiological work-up. Ametropia must be a diagnosis of exclusion.

Alternative treatment for retinoblastoma: Intra-arterial chemotherapy with melphalan

CASE REPORT

A 10-month old infant was referred for the study of a leukocoria of the left eye of one month onset. On examination, a retinoblastoma occupying the macular area was detected. Treatment with intra-arterial chemotherapy (melphalan 6 mg) was performed, with no further intervention required for disease control.

DISCUSSION

Melphalan is an effective chemotherapeutic agent. However, its use is limited by the systemic toxicity that may occur. Intra-arterial chemotherapy allows the selective release of melphalan into the ophthalmic artery, thus limiting its systemic toxicity. This combination of efficiency, safety and accuracy makes it an attractive therapeutic alternative for the management of retinoblastoma.

Retinoblastoma: An overview

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in children, with a reported incidence ranging from 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 18,000 live births. It is second only to uveal melanoma in the frequency of occurrence of malignant intraocular tumors. Pawius described retinoblastoma as early as in 1597 referred to the tumor as fungus hematodes and suggested enucleation as the primary mode of management. The discovery of ophthalmoloscope in 1851 facilitated recognition of specific clinical features of retinoblastoma. Initially thought to be derived from the glial cells, it was called a glioma of the retina by Virchow (1864). Flexner (1891) and Wintersteiner (1897) believed it to be a neuroepithelioma because of the presence of rosettes. Later, there was a consensus that the tumor originated from the retinoblasts and the American Ophthalmological Society officially accepted the term retinoblastoma in 1926. Retinoblastoma was associated with near certain death just over a century ago. There has been a dramatic change in the overall management of retinoblastoma in the last decade. Specific genetic protocols have been able to make pre natal diagnosis of retinoblastoma. Early diagnosis and advancements in focal therapy have resulted in improved eye and vision salvage. This article explains the complexity of retinoblastoma, genetic association, clinical features, management and prognosis.