Purpose
To evaluate the natural course of the clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas.
Methods
This is a non-comparative consecutive case series from January 2000 through July 2013. Patients presenting with circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute were identified. Data was collected on demographics, clinical features, treatments, and visual outcomes.
Results
A total of 78 eyes in 78 patients were identified. The mean age at presentation was 54.9 years (range: 19 to 88). The mean follow up after presentation was 42.8 months. Presenting visual acuity was equal or better than 20/50 in 37 of 87 patients (43%). 42 patients had an associated serous retinal detachment. The mean height on initial ultrasonography was 2.4 mm (range 1 to 5 mm). Treatment included photodynamic therapy in 40 eyes. Final visual acuity was equal or better than 20/50 in 38 of 87 patients (44%).
Conclusions
Circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas are rare, vascular hamartomas. In spite of the benign nature of this tumor, many patients in the present study developed sight-threatening complications requiring treatment. An understanding of the natural history of circumscribed uveal hemangioma is important for predicting disease trends and determining the timing of treatment.
Keywords: 461 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: natural history •
452 choroid •
744 tumors