Role of Ultrasound Biomicroscopy in the Management of Retinoblastoma

Purpose: To determine the role of Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) in the management of Retinoblastoma cases. Method: The medical records of 10 eyes of eight patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma from February 2011 to July 2013 were reviewed and data were analysed. Ultrasound biomicrospic examination was performed for all cases under general anesthesia using Ultrasound biomicroscope (Model DICON P45 UBM Plus Paradigm instruments) with 50 MHz transducer. UBM was used to determine the features of the intraocular tumor and possible extension into anterior retina, ciliary region, and anterior segment. All cases were enucleated for different reasons, such as poor visual prognosis (six cases) and unilaterality (two cases). Histopathological examinations were performed for all enucleated eyes. UBM findings were compared and correlated with the histopathological features of the enucleated eyes. Results: UBM documentation was available in 10 eyes of the eight patients which were included in the study. Only 7 eyes were diagnosed on UBM to have extension of the tumor anterior to the ora serrata, and were enucleated. Extension was absent in the other 3 eyes. Histopathological examination confirmed the anterior extension in all the 7 eyes and confirmed the absence of extension in the other 3 eyes. UBM did not yield any false negative or any false positive results. Conclusion: UBM is an indispensable tool for visualization of the anterior retina, ciliary region, and anterior segment allowing a better staging of the advanced disease process. Primary assessment of the true extent of retinoblastoma is critical for the selection of an optimal management approach. UBM may provide useful diagnostic data governing the indications for enucleation in advanced cases of retinoblastoma.