Photo-screening for Retinoblastoma: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

Purpose: The potential of Infrared (IR) photo-screening for detection of retinoblastoma has not been assessed. This study aimed to assess the IR reflex formed across the pupil in eyes with retinoblastoma (RB), vis-à-vis eyes with no intraocular tumor.Methods: Central gaze IR-reflex assessment in eyes with and without RB.Results: Of 30 eyes from 21 subjects, 20 eyes had RB and 10 eyes had no tumors. Image frames were extracted from IR video recordings of 30 eyes, of which 71 central gaze images were eligible for measurement of pixel intensity (0 to 255). Of these, 49 images had RB and 22 images had no tumor. The mean pixel intensity (MPI) within the pupil, in images of eyes with RB was 115 (median, 92; range, 38 to 254), in images of eyes with no tumor was 73 (median, 68; range, 26 to 125) and the difference was statistically significant (Odds ratio 1.018; 95 % CI: 1.004 – 1.032; p, .010;) on bivariate analysis. Of 57 images from eyes with RB, 35 were captured with un-dilated pupils and 22 with dilated pupils. The MPI in images from un-dilated eyes with RB was 107 (median, 79; range, 38 to 254), in images from dilated eyes with RB was 128 (median, 114; range, 46 to 215). However, the difference was not statistically significant (Odds ratio 1.006; 95 % CI: 0.996– 1.015; p, .248).Conclusion: Technology combining IR imaging and MPI measurement within the pupil can translate into a potential tool for early detection of RB.