Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of intraocular tumors

Of 11 patients with intraocular tumors who underwent magnetic resonance imaging, seven had melanoma and one each had lymphoma, metastatic carcinoma, hemangioma, and hemorrhage. All were localized in the choroid. We compared the results of the magnetic resonance imaging examinations with those of ophthalmic ultrasonography, external inspection, and histopathologic studies. Magnetic resonance imaging detected six of the seven choroidal melanomas. Demarcation between the tumor and the sclera was excellent. Extrascleral tumor extension could be excluded. Hemorrhage in and beside the choroidal melanoma could be seen separately. Magnetic resonance imaging differentiates choroidal tumors from the surrounding intraocular and extraocular tissues better than computed tomography does, making it an important new diagnostic procedure.