Ophthalmic complications of childhood medulloblastoma.
BACKGROUND
To study the ophthalmic complications and sequelae in children surviving medulloblastoma in order to assess the need for therapeutic intervention by the ophthalmologist.


METHODS
We identified all children attending the Leeds General Infirmary and St. James' University Hospital for treatment of medulloblastoma in the period January 1990 to March 1997, and the notes of all surviving patients were reviewed. Those patients who had not had an ophthalmic assessment within the last 6 months were recalled for examination.


RESULTS
Twenty-four surviving patients underwent full ophthalmic assessment. The follow-up period ranged between 6 months and 7 years (range 3.6 yr): 66% had ocular symptoms at presentation; 25% developed ocular complications following treatment; 50% were left with ocular sequelae; 41% percent required ophthalmic intervention (25% medical/orthoptic intervention; 16% surgical intervention).


CONCLUSIONS
Early (preferably preoperative) referral to the ophthalmology department is important in order to ensure appropriate management of diplopia, preservation of binocular single vision, and prevention of amblyopia in younger children.
Cassidy
L
L
Department of Ophthalmology, Clarendon Wing, General Infirmary, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Stirling
R
R
May
K
K
Picton
S
S
Doran
R
R
D020434:Abducens Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008527:Medulloblastoma / Q000628:therapy*; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology; D015835:Ocular Motility Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D015840:Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D009886:Ophthalmoplegia / Q000209:etiology; D009896:Optic Atrophy / Q000209:etiology; D010211:Papilledema / Q000209:etiology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents