Contrast-Enhancement of the Anterior Eye Segment in Patients with Retinoblastoma: Correlation between Clinical, MR Imaging, and Histopathologic Findings

P. de Graaf, P. van der Valk, A.C. Moll, S.M. Imhof, A.Y.N.S. Meeteren, D.L. Knol, J.A. Castelijns

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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: AES contrast-enhancement is recognized in a substantial number of retinoblastoma-affected eyes. We retrospectively investigated the histopathologic basis of AES contrast-enhancement on MR images in retinoblastoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment contrast-enhanced MR images were obtained from 42 children with retinoblastoma. Forty-two enucleated eyes were included in this study, AES enhancement was evaluated by using a 3-point score, and these data were correlated with clinical, MR imaging, and histopathologic findings. Additionally, 14 specimens were immunohistochemically analyzed for CD31, VEGF, and Flt-1 expression. Statistical correlations with AES enhancement were assessed by using a linear-by-linear association test and univariate and multivariate ordinal regressions. RESULTS: The degree of abnormal AES enhancement was moderate in 15 (36%) eyes and strong in 14 (33%) eyes, whereas 13 (31%) eyes showed normal AES enhancement. In multivariate analysis, the degree of AES enhancement showed statistically significant correlations with iris surface-vessel count (P=.05) and optic nerve invasion (P=.04) in the enucleated eye and with tumor volume (P=.02) as detected on MR imaging. No significant associations between AES enhancement and VEGF expression in the iris were observed. Flt-1 (P=.04) staining in iris stroma and IA as detected with CD31 staining (P=.009) both yielded a statistically significant positive correlation with abnormal AES enhancement. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of abnormal AES enhancement on MR imaging in retinoblastoma reflects angiogenesis in the iris. AES enhancement is also a hallmark of advanced retinoblastoma because its degree correlates with tumor volume and optic nerve invasion
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)237-245
JournalAmerican journal of neuroradiology
Volume31
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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