Gamma knife radiosurgery for choroidal hemangioma.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) in the treatment of symptomatic choroidal hemangioma (CH).

DESIGN

Observational case series.

METHODS

Three patients who had CH were treated with GKS. Ophthalmologic examinations revealed submacular fluid collection and retinal detachment associated with CH in all cases. GKS was performed as an initial treatment in two cases of circumscribed CH and as secondary treatment after failure of photocoagulation in the other diffuse CH.

RESULTS

The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 36 months, and visual acuity of the affected eyes was improved in all cases. The volume of CHs and submacular fluid collection were decreased. There were no adverse effects of radiation such as retinopathy or optic neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

GKS may be a useful alternative treatment for symptomatic CHs that are difficult to be managed with a standard therapeutic option such as photocoagulation.