IMAGING IN CHILDREN WITH INTRAOCULAR LESI ONS

Background A certain diagnosis, as soon as possible, is indispensable in children with intraocular lesions, the presence of retinoblastoma a lways beeing a possibility. Patients From our casuistic of 418 childre n since 1970 and from the literatur, we currently adopt the following attitude. Where the media are clear, a drawing and fundus photographs are made. Echography is performed in all cases. Ultrasound biomicrosco pic examination is carried out in all lesions where involvement of the anterior segment is suspected. Results Where echography shows no calc ifications, computed tomography (CT) is indicated. CT may also enable a possible lesion extension, particularly to the optic nerve, to be st udied. Conclusions Magnetic resonance imaging (RMI) is the procedure o f choice for evaluating secondary retinal detachment, massive extensio n of retinoblastoma and for detecting any early involvement of the pin eal gland (pinealoblastoma), or any other associated lesion. In case o f unilateral unifocal sporadic retinoblastoma, however, no CT or MRI i s performed, except where there is a suspected extension into the opti c nerve or the orbit. Echography remains the most economical, rapid an d safest means of diagnosis even in difficult cases.