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Mapping Sentinel Vessels in Uveal Melanomas Using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging
Linn Engqvist1, Ulf Dahlstrand1, Rafi Sheikh1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Ocular Oncology and Pathology
|April 14, 2025
Summary
Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) noninvasively mapped sentinel vessels in uveal melanoma. This technique visualizes these crucial vessels, aiding early detection of ocular neoplasms before they are clinically apparent.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Sentinel vessels are early indicators of ocular neoplasms.
- Current methods lack noninvasive techniques for imaging and mapping sentinel vessel vascular supply in uveal melanoma.
- The vascular supply of sentinel vessels in uveal melanoma remains largely unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To noninvasively map sentinel vessels in uveal melanomas.
- To utilize laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) for this mapping.
- To investigate the vascular supply of these sentinel vessels.
Main Methods:
- A case series of 4 patients with uveal melanoma undergoing enucleation.
- Perfusion imaging using LSCI during sequential detachment of rectus muscles and optic nerve.
- Histopathological analysis for tumor location and extrascleral growth.
Main Results:
- LSCI successfully visualized sentinel vessels in uveal melanoma, noting they were broader and more tortuous than surrounding vessels.
- Sentinel vessels exhibited 24-94% higher perfusion compared to episcleral vessels.
- Origin identification revealed supply from anterior ciliary arteries (3 patients) or ophthalmic artery (1 patient); one vessel was not visible on inspection.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the first detailed mapping of uveal melanoma sentinel vessels using LSCI.
- LSCI shows potential for early detection of sentinel vessels, preceding slit-lamp visibility.
- Noninvasive LSCI imaging may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for uveal melanoma detection due to its ability to identify vascular changes.
