Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy in the Imaging of Anterior Segment Tumors

Pavlin, Charles J.; Vásquez, Luz María; Lee, Richard; Simpson, E. Rand; Ahmed, Iqbal Ike K.

doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2008.08.023

« Previous Next »American Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume 147, Issue 2 , Pages 214-219.e2, February 2009

Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy in the Imaging of Anterior Segment Tumors

Charles J. Pavlin
- Department of Ocular Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Inquiries to Charles J. Pavlin, Mt Sinai Hospital, Suite 410, 600 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5
Luz María Vásquez
- Department of Ocular Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Richard Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Credit Valley Eye Care, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
E. Rand Simpson
- Department of Ocular Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Credit Valley Eye Care, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Accepted 18 August 2008. published online 20 October 2008.

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the imaging of anterior segment tumors and compare the images to ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

Design

Prospective observational case series.

Methods

Eighteen eyes of 18 patients with anterior segment tumors were evaluated at Princess Margaret Hospital. The evaluation included clinical examination, clinical photography, anterior segment OCT, and UBM. Comparison of images obtained by both methods was done.

Results

Anterior segment OCT imaged small hypopigmented tumors with complete penetration. Cysts were incompletely imaged behind the iris pigment epithelium. Highly pigmented tumors, large tumors, and ciliary body tumors were incompletely penetrated. Even without complete penetration it was possible to differentiate cystic lesions from solid lesions. UBM penetrated all tumors completely.

Conclusions

Anterior segment OCT can penetrate small hypopigmented tumors and supply some information on internal characteristics of other tumors. UBM is preferable for clinical anterior tumor assessment and follow-up because of its superior ability to penetrate large tumors, highly pigmented tumors, and ciliary body tumors.