Efficacy of proton therapy in circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas associated with serious retinal detachment.

Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of proton therapy in complicated circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas.

Methods: The study design was a retrospective review. Methods: Studied were 13 patients (13 eyes) who had circumscribed choroidal hemangioma associated with serous retinal detachment. Of these, four eyes previously underwent laser unsuccessfully. Methods: Proton therapy including a total dose of 30 Cobalt-Gray-Equivalent was administered to each eye. Methods: Patients were controlled for initial and final best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure, fundus examination, fluorescein angiography, and tumor thickness on B-scan ultrasonography.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 26 months (range, 9-48 months). Retinal reattachment was obtained in all cases after a mean period of 52 days. The tumor height decreased in all cases. Visual acuity improved to two lines or more in eight eyes (62%) and reached 20/200 or more in nine eyes (69%). No radiation complication was detected during follow-up.

Conclusions: Proton radiation seems to be effective and safe in the management of choroidal hemangioma associated with serous retinal detachment. It may be useful when photocoagulation can not be performed.