Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2025
Establishment and Propagation of Human Retinoblastoma Tumors in Immune Deficient Mice
Published on: August 4, 2011
Retinoblastoma in Ethiopian Children: Imaging Findings and Staging
Abebe Mekonnen Woldeyohannes1, Biruk Abebe Wondimu1, Daniel Hailu Kefenie2
1Radiologists, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Department of Radiology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Insights
Pediatric retinoblastoma patients often present with advanced disease, primarily Stage IV, highlighting the need for early detection. Increased community awareness of retinoblastoma symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
Background:
- Retinoblastoma is the most common childhood intraocular malignancy.
- Accurate staging is essential for effective retinoblastoma treatment planning.
- Radiologic imaging and clinical findings are key for staging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate imaging patterns and staging of retinoblastoma in children.
- To assess retinoblastoma cases at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study of 83 pediatric retinoblastoma patients (Sept 2018-Sept 2021).
- Analysis of CT/MRI scans and pathology results.
- Staging using International Retinoblastoma Staging System (IRSS) and International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification (IIRC).
Main Results:
- Most common symptoms: proptosis (50.6%) and leukocoria (44.6%).
- Clinical staging: 75.9% in IIRC Group E, 22.9% in Group D.
- Radiologic staging: Predominantly Stage IV (39.2% IVA, 21.4% IVB).
Conclusions:
- The majority of pediatric retinoblastoma patients present with advanced-stage disease (Stage IV).
- Enhanced community awareness of early retinoblastoma signs is vital.
- Timely medical consultation is critical for improved outcomes.
Background:
Retinoblastoma is the most prevalent intraocular retinal malignancy in children worldwide. Accurate staging is critical for treatment planning and relies heavily on radiologic imaging and clinical findings. This study aims to evaluate imaging patterns and staging of retinoblastoma in children at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH).
Materials And Methods:
This cross-sectional study analyzed retrospective data from TASH between September 2018 and September 2021. It focused on patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma who underwent Computed Tomography (CT) scans or Magnetic Resonant Imaging (MRI) and had pathology results available. Two radiologists, each with over 10 years of experience, independently reviewed the scans. Supplementary data were gathered from the pediatric oncology unit registry using structured questionnaires. The International Retinoblastoma Staging System (IRSS) was used to stage extraocular disease based on cross-sectional imaging and the International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification (IIRC) for intraocular disease classification.
Results:
Eighty-three patients were included, with 42 (50.6%) males and 41 (49.4%) females. The mean age at presentation was 3.4 ± 2 years. The most common clinical symptoms were proptosis (42 patients, 50.6%) and leukocoria (37 patients, 44.6%). Clinical staging revealed 63 (75.9%) patients in Group E, 19 (22.9%) in Group D, and 1 (1.2%) in Group C according to IIRC. Stage IV disease was predominant, with 33 (39.2%) in Stage IVA and 18 (21.4%) in Stage IVB according to IRSS.
Conclusion:
Most patients presented with advanced retinoblastoma, particularly Stage IV. This underscores the need for community awareness of early signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma, promoting timely medical consultation.
