Vascular tumours of the retina and choroid : classification, diagnosis and treatment

• Published in: Acta ophthalmologica (Oxford, England) England), 2012-09, Vol.90 (s249), p.0-0
• Main Author: SCHALENBOURG, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Macular degeneration; Medical imaging; Ophthalmology; Retina; Tumors
• ISSN: 1755-375X; 1755-3768
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2012.3461.x

Purpose Retinal vascular tumors consist of capillary hemangioblastomas, associated with Von Hippel Lindau’s disease, cavernous or racemous hemangiomas, and vasoproliferative pseudotumors. Coat’s disease is typically diagnosed in male children presenting retinal telangiectasia, complicated by retinal exudates. Choroidal vascular tumors are most frequently circumscribed, more rarely diffuse hemangiomas, the latter being associated with Sturge Weber syndrome Methods Diagnosis is often made by ophthalmoscopy and ultrasonography, and confirmed by fluorescein and/or ICG angiography. OCT and panoramic angiography have improved visualization with regard to the extent of the vascular tumor(s). Results Therapeutic approach can consist of periodic observation, laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), irradiation by plaque or protons, and anti‐VEGF injections. Conclusion Controversy exists as to the optimal management of these benign but potentially blinding tumors. This review therefore serves as an introduction to the different topics of this symposium as well as the debate at the end with different experts sharing their experience.