Cataract Formation: A Possible Complication of Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma. Issue 3 (May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suesskind, Daniela; Schrader, Merle; Foerster, Michael H.; Ernemann, Ulrike; Aisenbrey, Sabine
• Is Part Of: European journal of ophthalmology. Volume 24:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 449
• Page End: 453
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Subjects: Complication -- Retinoblastoma -- Selective intra-arterial chemotherapy; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 617.7005
• DOI: 10.5301/ejo.5000393
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-6721

Abstract

Purpose: To delineate and discuss a not yet described possible ocular complication of selective intra-arterial chemotherapy (SIAC) for treatment of retinoblastoma. Methods: A 23-month-old girl with a large unilateral retinoblastoma was treated with repeated SIAC using 5 mg melphalan between July 2010 and January 2012. Clinical course of tumor and further ocular changes after therapy and histopathologic findings are described. Results: In total, 5 SIAC were performed over a time period of 18 months. After the last SIAC, diffuse dense cataract prevented further funduscopy. In addition, anterior chamber seeding was obvious, leading to the decision to enucleate the eye. Histopathologically, nearly complete regression of the main tumor mass with prominent calcifications, but vital tumor seeding in the vitreous, on the lens surface, on the ciliary body, and in the anterior chamber, was observed. Peculiar vacuolation of the lens epithelial cells, liquefaction of the subepithelial lens fibers, and diffuse small vacuoles within the lens were striking. Conclusions: Repeated SIAC with melphalan may induce cataract formation, possibly as a toxic effect of the chemotherapeutic to the lens, maybe combined with radiation exposure during fluoroscopy. This ocular complication should be taken into consideration as a limitation of the number of feasible repeated treatments.