TRANSVITREAL RETINO-CHOROIDAL BIOPSY OF SUSPECTED MALIGNANT LESIONS OF THE CHOROID - FOLLOW-UP OF CASES OVER 7 YEARS

The cases of transvitreal retino-choroidal (TVRC) biopsy from 1987 to 1994 were assembled in order to examine the efficiency, complications and risks to patients. Of 92 biopsies 91 had sufficient material for d iagnosis. Eighty (87%) contained malignant tissue, whereas 10 cases we re negative and two unsuccessful. Tumours of appropriate size were tre ated by brachytherapy Twenty-three large tumours were enucleated prima rily. Eight irradiated eyes had to be removed. In 31 cases, therefore, it was possible to examine the whole tumour for changes caused by the biopsy and to compare the typing of the biopsy with that of the whole tumour. In the irradiated eyes histologically viable tumour cells rem ained mostly in the inner part of the tumour. Scleral necrosis was not found. The technique used appears to be safe. Histological verificati on is highly recommended before any conservative therapy, inter alia t o obtain true statistics of therapeutic results.