Diode-light transillumination for ophthalmic plaque localization around juxtapapillary choroidal melanomas

Purpose: An evaluation of plaque-mounted diode-light transillumination (DLT ) for localization of episcleral plaques beneath juxtapapillary tumors. Methods and materials: Two patients scheduled for radiotherapy for juxtapap illary melanomas were offered DLT as an additional method of ophthalmic pla que localization. Plaques were constructed by affixing 4 non-heat producing , light-emitting diodes with their apertures flush with the episcleral oute r surface of the plaque's rim. Bio-implantable epoxy was used to encapsulat e the electronic components. Then the plaques were loaded with Pd-103 seeds . After the eye-plaques were sewn to the episclera covering the base of the intraocular tumors; the diode-lights were illuminated, viewed and recorded . Photodocumentation of the relative position of the 4 lights around tumor' s base was obtained in both cases. Results: Digital images of plaque-mounted diode retro-transillumination wer e obtained. No evidence of diode-light toxicity was noted. Both tumors were found to be covered by the ophthalmic plaques. Conclusion: Juxtapapillary tumors are often difficult or impossible to visu alize with standard transillumination techniques and have been associated w ith poor local control rates, We have developed plaque-mounted DLT in an ef fort to improve ophthalmic plaque localization. Retrobulbar transilluminati on was viewed by indirect ophthalmoscopy and recorded with video-imaging. T his technique provides unique photographic documentation of episcleral plaq ue localization beneath juxtapapillary tumors. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science In c.