Mr imaging–pathologic correlation of uveal melanomas undergoing secondary enucleation after proton beam radiotherapy

Background: Currently, radiotherapy represents the most widely employed therapeutic option in patients with uveal melanoma. Although the effects of proton beam radiotherapy on uveal melanoma end ocular tissues have been histologically documented, their appearance at MR imaging is still poorly understood. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the magnetic resonance (MR) semiotics of radiotherapy-induced changes to neoplastic tissues and ocular structures in patients with uveal melanoma undergoing secondary enucleation after proton beam radiotherapy. Methods: Nine patients with uveal melanoma who had undergone proton beam radiotherapy, MR imaging, and subsequent secondary enucleation were retrospectively selected. The histopathologic findings evaluated for irradiated tumors were necrosis, fibrosis, and viable tumor, while the histopathologic findings evaluated for extratumoral ocular/periocular tissues were radiation-related intraocular inflammation, vitreous hemorrhage, optic nerve degeneration, iris neovascularization, and periocular fibrotic adhesions. On MR images, the appearance of the abovementioned histologic features was assessed on conventional and diffusion-weighted sequences. Results: T2-weighted sequences performed better in detecting radiation-induced necrosis, fibrosis, optic nerve degeneration, and periocular fibrotic adhesions. T1-weighted sequences were preferable for identifying cataracts, vitreous hemorrhage, and inflammatory complications. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences were irreplaceable in assessing iris neovascularization, and in confirming inflammatory complications. Conclusions: In the light of their increasing role in the multidisciplinary management of patients with uveal melanoma, radiologists should be aware of the MR appearance of the effects of radiotherapy on neoplastic and ocular tissue, in order to improve the accuracy of follow-up MR examinations.