Echography of retinoblastoma: Histopathologic correlation and serial evaluation after globe-conserving radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Purpose: To assess the sensitivity of echography in detecting retinoblastom a, compare tumor features observed by echography with histopathology data, and assess the usefulness of echography in serially following retinoblastom a tumors after globe-conserving treatments. Methods: The medical and echography records of all patients treated for ret inoblastoma at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between 1991 and 1997 were r eviewed. All eyes underwent pretreatment echographic evaluation, and eyes t reated with external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or chemotherapy unde rwent serial follow-up echography. Results: Sixty-nine eyes of 48 patients were identifled. Echography demonst rated evidence of retinoblastoma in 69 of 69 (100%) eyes and calcification in 63 (91.3%) eyes. Histopathology was superior to echography in detecting optic nerve invasion, extraocular extension, and presence of calcification. Conclusion: Echography is a useful adjunct to indirect ophthalmoscopy in es tablishing the diagnosis of retinoblastoma. While not as specific as histop athology, echographic evaluation before and after treatment of retinoblasto ma permits monitoring of treatment response and may aid in detecting recurr ent tumor growth or failure to respond to treatment.