Leukocoria in Children: Findings on CT and MRI of the Principal Causes
Description & Learning Objectives
Leukocoria is the result of an alteration in the normal red reflex of the ocular fundus, secondary to an obstruction of the normal passage of light to the fundus of the eye that produces a white light reflex. There are many ocular pathologies that can present as leukocoria, among which retinoblastoma is the most frequent. Other causes include cataracts, Coats disease, persistent fetal vasculature, coloboma, retinopathy of prematurity, vitreous hemorrhage, astrocytic hamartoma, and ocular toxocariasis. Although in many situations the diagnosis of these pathologies is clinical or possible with the use of ocular sonography, in certain circumstances, CT or MR imaging may play a very important role in the differential diagnosis. In this review article, we propose that findings such as ocular size, the presence of calcifications, intravenous contrast enhancement, MR imaging signal intensity, CT density, and other pathology-specific findings, along with some clinical data, will guide us to the cause of leukocoria. Knowledge of the most prevalent ages of presentation of these pathologies assists with establishing the final diagnosis.
Upon completion of this activity, participants will gain strategies to understand why leukocoria occurs, to list the major causes of leukocoria in children, and to recognize the imaging findings of the most frequent causes of leukocoria and apply them in the differential diagnosis.
Upon completion of this activity, participants will gain strategies to understand why leukocoria occurs, to list the major causes of leukocoria in children, and to recognize the imaging findings of the most frequent causes of leukocoria and apply them in the differential diagnosis.
Instructions for Participation
To complete this activity, learners will read an article and submit a course evaluation. Once all elements are completed, a certificate will be automatically added to your transcript.
Credit Dates
Available: 1/9/2023
Expires: 1/8/2026
Expires: 1/8/2026
Planners & Faculty
ASNR would like to thank the following individuals for reviewing this article.
Joshua Nickerson, Editor in Chief
Robert Quencer, Consulting Editor
Toshio Moritani, Associate Editor
Meng Law, Associate Editor
Edward Escott, Associate Editor
Levi Chazen, Associate Editor
Scott Faro, Associate Editor
Susan Palasis, Associate Editor
Katyucia de Macedo Rodriguez, Associate Editor
Joshua Nickerson, Editor in Chief
Robert Quencer, Consulting Editor
Toshio Moritani, Associate Editor
Meng Law, Associate Editor
Edward Escott, Associate Editor
Levi Chazen, Associate Editor
Scott Faro, Associate Editor
Susan Palasis, Associate Editor
Katyucia de Macedo Rodriguez, Associate Editor
Accreditation Statement
The American Society of Neuroradiology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The American Society of Neuroradiology designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The American Society of Neuroradiology designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure
In compliance with ACCME requirements and guidelines, ASNR has developed a policy for disclosure and review of potential conflicts of interest and a method for resolution if a conflict does exist. ASNR maintains a tradition of scientific integrity and objectivity in its educational activities. In order to preserve these values and ensure its educational activities are independent and free of commercial bias, all individuals, including planners, presenters, moderators and evaluators, participating in an ASNR educational activity, or an activity jointly provided by ASNR must disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies, as defined by the ACCME. Unless listed below, all planners and individuals in control of content have nothing to disclose.
N. Sanchez: All support for the present manuscript (eg, funding, provision of study materials, medical writing, article processing charges, etc.): Facultad de Medicina Clinica Alemana - Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, USA, Comments: Institutions where the authors work.
P. Kranz: Leadership or fiduciary role in other board, society, committee or advocacy group, paid or unpaid: Secretary/Treasurer of ASSR.
All other authors have no disclosures.
Meng Law: Stockholder, Clinical Imaging
Edward Escott: Grant, Atherysys, Inc.; Royalties, Thieme Medical Publishers
Levi Chazen: Grant, Athersys; Stock Ownership or Private Investments: Amgen, Catalent, Charles River Labs, Intuitive Surgical, Stryker, United Health Group
Scott Faro: Royalties, Springer Publications
N. Sanchez: All support for the present manuscript (eg, funding, provision of study materials, medical writing, article processing charges, etc.): Facultad de Medicina Clinica Alemana - Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, USA, Comments: Institutions where the authors work.
P. Kranz: Leadership or fiduciary role in other board, society, committee or advocacy group, paid or unpaid: Secretary/Treasurer of ASSR.
All other authors have no disclosures.
Meng Law: Stockholder, Clinical Imaging
Edward Escott: Grant, Atherysys, Inc.; Royalties, Thieme Medical Publishers
Levi Chazen: Grant, Athersys; Stock Ownership or Private Investments: Amgen, Catalent, Charles River Labs, Intuitive Surgical, Stryker, United Health Group
Scott Faro: Royalties, Springer Publications
