MR Imaging of Adverse Effects and Ocular Growth Decline after Selective Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma

Abstract

This retrospective multicenter study examines therapy-induced orbital and ocular MRI findings in retinoblastoma patients following selective intra-arterial chemotherapy (SIAC) and quantifies the impact of SIAC on ocular and optic nerve growth. Patients were selected based on medical chart review, with inclusion criteria requiring the availability of posttreatment MR imaging encompassing T2-weighted and T1-weighted images (pre- and post-intravenous gadolinium administration). Qualitative features and quantitative measurements were independently scored by experienced radiologists, with deep learning segmentation aiding total eye volume assessment. Eyes were categorized into three groups: eyes receiving SIAC (Rb-SIAC), eyes treated with other eye-saving methods (Rb-control), and healthy eyes. The most prevalent adverse effects post-SIAC were inflammatory and vascular features, with therapy-induced contrast enhancement observed in the intraorbital optic nerve segment in 6% of patients. Quantitative analysis revealed significant growth arrest in Rb-SIAC eyes, particularly when treatment commenced ≤ 12 months of age. Optic nerve atrophy was a significant complication in Rb-SIAC eyes. In conclusion, this study highlights the vascular and inflammatory adverse effects observed post-SIAC in retinoblastoma patients and demonstrates a negative impact on eye and optic nerve growth, particularly in children treated ≤ 12 months of age, providing crucial insights for clinical management and future research.

Keywords

• retinoblastoma
• intra-arterial chemotherapy
• MR imaging
• adverse-effects
• treatment effects