The first experience of an optical coherenсe tomography in diagnostics of the primary and residual retinoblastoma

Abstract

Purpose To determine diagnostic features of the primary and residual retinoblastoma documented by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods 21 children with retinoblastoma were examined by OCT to analyze the changes in the retina before and during the different stages of treatment. In 21 eyes 36 foci have been examined: 9 were with primary retinoblastoma, 12 –residual tumours, 12‐ chorioretinal scar after local treatment by methods of brachytherapy and TTT, 3 ‐ calcified focus. Results Tomographical features of the primary retinoblastoma were: thickening of retina at the level of the inside layers was up to 645 ± 77,02 microns (р<0,001) – 9. In 9 cases there was no differentiation but there was homogeneity of structure of retinal inside layers in the tumour centre. The chorioretinal scar after сhemotherapy and local treatment (12 patients) on tomograms were diagnosed as a flat bright red hyperreflective stripe replacing all layers of a retina. In 3 patients calcified focus was characterized by raised bright red hyperreflective layer under which the effect of a shade was marked on tomograms. In 12 patients with residual tumours the absence of differentiation of the inside layers of retina with the effect of a shade under undifferentiated inside layers of a retina, elevation of the inside layers of the retina into the vitreous, equal choroidal profile and on the periphery ‐ bright red flat hyperreflective retina were diagnosed. Conclusion The OCT allows to reveal changes in retina and to diagnose tumoral, paunch, calcified tissue at primary and residual retinoblastoma that is necessary for definition of further tactics of treatment.