Presumed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients with retinoblastoma.

PURPOSE

To review the characteristics, treatment, and outcome of presumed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) in patients with retinoblastoma.

METHODS

Descriptive consecutive case series study from 1970 to 1996.

RESULTS

Of 45 eyes with retinoblastoma that received various modalities of eye-sparing treatment and adequate follow-up, five developed presumed rhegmatogenous RD after treatment. All five eyes had previous treatment with external beam radiation, four of which also had been treated with cryotherapy. To minimize the potential spread of the malignancy intraoperatively, long disease-free intervals were ensured before scleral buckling surgeries were performed, and special care was taken during subretinal fluid drainage. The RDs were totally reattached in three eyes and partially reattached in the other two.

CONCLUSION

Presumed rhegmatogenous RD may occur after external beam radiation or cryotherapy for retinoblastoma. It poses special challenges in management.