Echographic features of medulloepithelioma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the echographic features of medulloepithelioma that may assist in establishing the diagnosis.

METHODS

Retrospective review identified four eyes with medulloepithelioma studied with echography. Clinical records, echographic findings, histopathologic tumor features, and the clinical course were reviewed.

RESULTS

The initial preoperative diagnosis of medulloepithelioma was uncertain, based on clinical findings alone in three cases but was accurate when echographic findings were combined with clinical findings in all four cases. Cysts posterior to the iris were detected on clinical examination in only two cases, but were revealed on echography in all four cases. Additional echographic findings included irregular high internal reflectivity (n = 4), irregular tumor surface (n = 3), molding around intraocular structures (n = 3), and internal vascularity (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of medulloepithelioma is not always apparent on clinical examination alone. Echographic findings of a highly reflective, irregularly structured tumor with associated cystic changes involving the ciliary body region may help establish a presumed diagnosis of medulloepithelioma.