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Radiation-induced optic neuropathy following brachytherapy of uveal melanomas

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Abstract

In a prospective study the incidence of optic neuropathy following106Ru/106Rh-brachytherapy of uveal melanomas was evaluated. Pattern visual evoked potentials (VECP) were measured before radiation and at regular follow-up intervals. Patients were grouped according to tumor location in peripheral melanomas with a central tumor margin of more than 60° to the optic disc (n =11) and central melanomas with a tumor within 15° to the optic disc (n = 28). No patient with peripheral tumor had clinical signs of optic neuropathy or pathological VECPs after radiation. In patients with central melanomas clinical signs were seen in 5/28 (18%), but pathological VECPs developed in 14/28 (50%). The visual loss after radiation was greater in patients with pathological VECPs (P < 0.03). Radiation-induced optic nerve damage depends on tumor location and is more frequent than clinically expected.

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Author notes

  1. Ulrich Kellner

    Present address: FU Berlin, Klinikum Steglitz, Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Hindenburgdamm 30, 45, W-1000, Berlin, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. FU Berlin, Klinikum Steglitz, Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Hindenburgdamm 30, 45, W-1000, Berlin, Germany

    Michael H. Foersterl

  2. Zentrum für Augenheilkunde der Universität Essen, Abteilung für Retinologie, Hufelandstrasse 55, W-4300 Essen 1, Germany

    Norbert Bornfeld

Authors
  1. Ulrich Kellner
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  2. Norbert Bornfeld
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  3. Michael H. Foersterl
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Kellner, U., Bornfeld, N. & Foersterl, M.H. Radiation-induced optic neuropathy following brachytherapy of uveal melanomas. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 231, 267–270 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00919103

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00919103

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