Cavitary retinoblastoma: clinical observations

Abstract

Aim: A retrospective case series describing the clinical features and treatment outcomes in eye with cavitary retinoblastoma. Methods: Case records of patients diagnosed with cavitary retinoblastoma from 2013 to 2017 were reviewed and their demographic details, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes were analysed. Results: Thirteen tumours from ten eyes of ten patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 36 months (median = 30, range = 2–60 months). Mean number of cavities per tumour were two (median 1, range 1–5). Sixty-two percent of tumours had primary cavities, 23% had secondary cavities, while 15% had both types. Mean basal tumour diameter at presentation was 10.9 mm, and at final follow-up was 10.4 mm. Mean tumour thickness at presentation was 7.7 mm, and at final follow-up was 6.5 mm. Majority of tumours (46%) showed type 2 regression pattern. Tumour recurrence was noted in 1(8%) eye. Cavity rupture with release of vitreous seeds was observed in one eye. Two (20%) eyes with vitreous seeds were treated with intravitreal chemotherapy. Two eyes were advised enucleation, one due to tumour recurrence and the other due to persistent vitreous seeds. No patients had metastasis or death. Mean follow-up was 54 months (median 20, SD 66.82, range 3–183). Conclusion: Cavitary tumours have variable presentations, are often associated with vitreous seeds, and in some cases the latter emanates from them as well. Cavitary tumours tend to maintain stable tumour dimensions.