IODINE-125 PLAQUE BRACHYTHERAPY FOR DIFFUSE CHOROIDAL HEMANGIOMA

Purpose: To report 6 cases of diffuse choroidal hemangioma in children treated with iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy at a single tertiary care center. Methods: Retrospective case series. Results: Six pediatric patients diagnosed with diffuse choroidal hemangioma were included in the study. Preplaque visual acuity ranged from 20/150 to no light perception. All patients had extensive serous retinal detachment at presentation. An iodine-125 radioactive plaque was placed on the affected eye to administer a dose of 34.2–42.1 Gy to the tumor apex over a median of 4 days. Tumor regression and subretinal fluid resolution were observed in all eyes within 17 months of treatment. Visual acuity improved in two patients. Radiation-induced cataract and subretinal fibrosis were documented in one case, and one patient developed radiation retinopathy. No patients developed neovascular glaucoma within the follow-up time of 12–65 months. Conclusion: Iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy is an effective option for diffuse choroidal hemangioma, although there is a risk for radiation-induced complications.