Combined brachytherapy and vitreoretinal surgery for a large retinal capillary hemangioma with exudative retinal detachment

Introduction: We report about a large retinal capillary hemangioma (RCH) with exudative retinal detachment and a macular fold, treated with Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy (Ru-106 BT) and scleral buckling surgery, followed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), for the removal of macular tractions. Case description: A 17-year-old boy was referred to our Ocular Oncology Unit for a large RCH in the left eye. BCVA was hand motion. The RCH measured 4.9 × 6.85 mm in basal diameters and 4.0 mm in thickness and was located in the mid-peripheral temporal retina. It was surrounded by extensive subretinal exudation, forming an exudative retinal detachment, with a retinal fold that extended from the lesion to the optic disc. We performed Ru-106 BT and at the moment of the plaque removal we placed a radial buckle with the aim to unbend the retinal fold. At 3-months follow-up the exudation decreased, we achieved the opening of the peripheral side of the retinal fold, but the macula was still detached. We decided to perform a lens sparing PPV, macular peeling and air tamponade, to remove the vitreoretinal tractions ab interno and to try to complete the opening of the macular fold. After 1-month BCVA was counting fingers, the retina appeared attached, also in the macular area, but the retinal fold remained partially close in the macular side. After 6 months the tumor was inactivated, the macula remained attached, unfortunately, the macular fold remained partially close. Conclusion: Ru-106 BT and scleral buckling concurrent approach can be an effective treatment modality in selected cases of large RCHs, followed by PPV to remove eventual vitreo-retinal tractions.