Retinal tear and detachment after transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal melanoma.
OBJECTIVE
To report a side effect of transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal melanoma.


METHODS
Small case series.


METHODS
Review of clinical charts and photographs in a private retina practice.


RESULTS
Retinal tears developed in two patients after transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal melanoma. In one patient a secondary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment developed.


CONCLUSIONS
Transpupillary thermotherapy can result in vitreous traction on the retina over the choroidal tumor, which can lead to a retinal tear and to retinal detachment. Patients should be warned about this possibility and advised to be examined should photopsias or new floaters develop after treatment.
Browning
David J
DJ
Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates, North Carolina 28210, USA. djbrowning@carolina.rr.com
Antoszyk
Andrew N
AN
D000368:Aged; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011680:Pupil; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology*; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000209:etiology*