Originally submitted: 2/17/09; Accepted: 6/17/09; Posted online: 12/23/09
Purpose: To elucidate characteristics of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that developed in children who underwent treatment for retinoblastoma and to analyze the outcome following vitreoretinal surgery in such clinical settings.
Methods: This was a retrospective case series of 9 eyes of 9 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for tumor control and retinal reattachment.
Results: At the time of diagnosis of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, retinoblastoma was regressed in 6 eyes (67%). The retinal detachment involved less than two quadrants in 7 eyes (78%) and was caused by an atrophic break in 7 eyes. Seven eyes underwent a non-drainage scleral buckling procedure. Three eyes underwent vitreous surgery; in 2 of these eyes, tumor excision along with retinectomy using melphalan infusion was performed and eventually silicone oil tamponade was used. Retinal reattachment was achieved in all eyes with eventual tumor control in 7 eyes. The median follow-up after retinal reattachment surgery was 24 months.
Conclusion: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in treated eyes with retinoblastoma is usually caused by an atrophic retinal break. Retinal detachment can be repaired successfully in most eyes.
doi: 10.3928/01913913-20091218-03
