Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Retinal Detachment in Orbital Uveal Melanomas

Abstract

We assess the role of ultrasonography (US) in the evaluation of retinal detachment in patients with uveal melanomas, in correlation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Twenty-six patients (13♂ and 13♀) with uveal melanomas underwent MRI and US examination. The signal intensity of the tumors and retinal detachments were depicted using MRI. The position of retinal detachment in correlation with the position of intraocular tumor was also evaluated performing ultrasound examination. MRI and US identified uveal melanoma in all 26 patients. In 11 of the 26 patients (42.3%) uveal melanoma was accompanied by retinal detachment. MRI demonstrated retinal detachment in nine patients. US disclosed retinal detachment in two more cases. US has an important role in the depiction of uveal melanomas and associated retinal detachment. It also appears to be more sensitive than MRI in detecting retinal detachment in patients with orbital uveal melanomas.