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Optic nerve tissue shrinkage during pathologic processing after enucleation for retinoblastoma.
David H Abramson1, Amy C Schefler, Dena Almeida
1Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA. DHAMD@aol.com
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|January 14, 2003
Summary
Optic nerve length significantly shrinks after fixation in retinoblastoma (RB) enucleation specimens. This post-fixation shrinkage, averaging 30.3%, necessitates careful consideration in histopathologic assessments and treatment recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Retinoblastoma (RB) is a pediatric eye cancer requiring enucleation.
- Accurate measurement of optic nerve length is crucial for staging and treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and analyze the differences in optic nerve length measurements between intraoperative (enucleation) and post-fixation (pathologic) assessments.
- To evaluate factors influencing optic nerve shrinkage after fixation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 100 enucleation specimens from 96 retinoblastoma patients (1979-2001).
- Comparison of optic nerve lengths recorded intraoperatively by surgeons and postoperatively by pathologists.
Main Results:
- Significant optic nerve shrinkage occurred post-fixation, averaging 30.3%.
- Younger patient age correlated with greater optic nerve shrinkage.
- Patient sex and disease laterality did not significantly impact shrinkage.
Conclusions:
- Post-fixation shrinkage of the optic nerve is substantial in retinoblastoma enucleation specimens.
- This shrinkage must be accounted for when comparing studies and making treatment recommendations based on histopathology.