The Safety and Efficacy of a Domestic Radioactive Applicator for the Treatment of Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a domestic radioactive applicator for the treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemagioma. Methods: This was a retrospective consecutive observational study. Forty-three patients were diagnosed clinically and radiologically with circumscribed choroidal hemagiomain Beijing Tongren Hospital from February 2010 to August 2018. All patients had exudative retinal detachment and were treated by a domestic radioactive applicator. The size of the tumor (maximum base diameter, maximum height) was recorded by color doppler ultrasound imaging (CDI). Changes insubretinal fluid were observed by indirect ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The changes invisual acuity, intraocular pressure, tumor size and subretinal fluid were compared before and after surgery and the occurrence rates of complications were noted. Data were compared by a paired t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in visual acuity between the most recent follow-up (2.03±1.45) and pre-operation (2.14±1.36) (Z=-2.348, P=0.019), and no significant difference in intraocular pressure between the most recent follow-up (13.6±6.0 mmHg) and pre-operation (12.5±4.2 mmHg) (Z=-1.419, P=0.3). Tumor size had regressed compared to pre-operative measurements inmaximum basal diameter: The most recent follow-up was 10.3±2.5 mm, pre-operation was 12.3±3.2 mm (t=8.862, P<0.001); maximum height: the most recent follow-up was 2.6±1.3 mm, pre-operation was 4.8±1.4 mm (t=10.387, P<0.001). Subretinal fluid was not observed in any patients. Furthermore, damages to the optic nerve, retina and macula or radiational cataract were not observed. Conclusion: A domestic radioactive applicator can be used to treat circumscribed choroidal hemagioma, which can cause the tumor to regress, lead to absolute absorption of the subretinal fluid, avoid enucleation and protect visual function. Key words: choroidal hemangioma; radiotherapy; applicator; radioactive Iodine125