Open AccessSubretinal pigment dispersion following transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal melanoma
Author(s) -
Kiratli Hayyam,
Bilgiç Sevgül
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0420
pISSN - 1395-3907
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2002.800410.x
Subject(s) - medicine , complication , ophthalmology , visual acuity , melanoma , surgery , cancer research
. Purpose: To report the case of a patient who developed considerable subretinal pigment/debris dispersion following transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). This type of tumour response is extremely rare with this relatively new therapeutic modality. Methods: A 50‐year‐old man with a left juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma measuring 8 × 6 × 4.3 mm was treated with 810 nm diode laser TTT administered in two sessions. Spot size was 3 mm and the power setting was 450 mW. Results: Four months after the first treatment session, a considerable amount of pigment/debris was seen to have dispersed in the subretinal space, accumulating mainly in the macular area. Over a 12‐month follow‐up, the tumour showed progressive shrinkage without any change in the amount or location of the shed pigment/debris. No new tumour formation, recurrence or systemic metastases were detected. Conclusion: Subretinal pigment/debris dispersion is an unusual complication after TTT and requires close follow‐up. There has been no short‐term compromise on the life or visual acuity of this patient.