Clinical features and imaging manifestations of retinoblastoma with
hepatic metastasis
Abstract
Background: Hepatic metastasis from retinoblastoma (RB) is rare. We
evaluated clinical features, imaging manifestations, treatment, and
prognosis in these patients. Procedure: Clinical data of five patients
diagnosed with hepatic metastases of RB at the Department of Pediatrics
in Beijing Tongren Hospital between January 2009 and January 2019 were
analyzed retrospectively. Results: Two patients had bilateral lesions,
while three had unilateral lesions. Among the seven eyes with lesions,
six and one were classified as stage E and C, respectively
(International Integrated Reporting Council staging). On computed
tomography (CT), low-density foci were observed (three, multiple foci
and two, single foci). After chemotherapy, tumor regression was observed
in four patients, while there was no response in one patient. Three
patients who underwent enucleation were at high risk for extensive
choroidal invasion. All patients had severe disease with multiple system
involvement, including central nervous system (CNS) and bone metastases.
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels
were significantly elevated in all patients; after treatment, they
decreased in four patients and remained unchanged in one patient with
end-stage disease. Two patients died, with survival durations of 1 and 3
months following the diagnosis of hepatic metastasis. Three patients
survived and continued treatment. Conclusion: Hepatic metastasis from RB
is rare and usually occurs with CNS and bone metastases. On CT, hepatic
foci could be indicated by low-density lesions with calcification.
Chemotherapy could be effective for hepatic metastases. The prognosis of
these patients is poor; however, hepatic metastasis is not a direct
cause of death.