Abstract
Purpose: :
Choroidal nevi are common uveal lesions in Caucasian patients. There is evidence suggesting that melanomas may arise from pre-existing nevi. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical features of uveal nevi based on demographic characteristics including, age, race, gender, iris color, location, and ultrasound features.
Methods: :
Sixty-five eyes of sixty-four patients with uveal nevi were examined. A detailed analysis of the clinical and ultrasonagraphic characteristics was correlated with the clinical features of the uveal nevi. All patients have been examined at the McGill University Health Center (MUHC) hospitals between 1992 and 2008. All data including race, age, gender, color of the iris, location of the lesion and diagnostic ultrasound were recorded.
Results: :
The mean age of all nevi patients was 66.2 years including with a gender distribution of 61% women and 39% men. The most common location within the uveal tract was the choroid (74%), followed by iris (23%) and ciliary body (3%). The mean follow up for these patients was 50 months. All patients were Caucasian, however, the incidence of nevi in patients with light irises was more frequent (78%) compared to those patients with dark irises (22%). Diagnostic ultrasound showed non-elevated flat lesions in 63% of patients whereas an elevated nevus (>1mm) was found in 37% of patients. Drusen, subretinal fluid, and orange pigment were found in 22%, 3%, and 2% of patients, respectively.
Conclusions: :
Nevi of the uveal tract are more common in women and in patients with light iris colors. The most frequent location of uveal nevi is the choroid, followed by iris, and ciliary body. The majority of choroidal nevi are flat and a small percentage of these lesions are associated with different clinical features. The report of the clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of uveal nevi is essential to differentiate these lesions from small uveal melanoma
Keywords: lesion study • uvea • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)