Ultrasound biomicroscopy features of iris and ciliary body melanomas before and after brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) features of iris and ciliary body melanomas before and after brachytherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four uveal anterior melanoma cases undergoing brachytherapy were retrospectively studied. All cases were examined by UBM prior to treatment and repeatedly after treatment.

RESULTS: Before brachytherapy, UBM examination showed a solid mass in the iris, ciliary body, or both in all four cases and allowed its characterization, sizing, and positioning. Two cases had a pigmented scleral lesion corresponding to the tumor location, but UBM did not detect any scleral infiltration at those sites. After brachytherapy, all lesions showed progressive decrease in size and progressive attenuation of their limits. Internal reflectivity was variable. Complications related to brachytherapy were demonstrated, including cataract, peripheral anterior synechiae at tumor location, and secondary scleral thinning.

CONCLUSION: UBM played an important role as a complementary diagnostic method for anterior uveal melanomas, particularly ciliary body melanomas, but also allowed therapeutic planning (brachytherapy or surgery) and follow-up after treatment.