Abstract
Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is currently, the first-line treatment for retinoblastomas
with successful cure rates. In difficult access or unsuccessful catheterization of
the ophthalmic artery (OA), the middle meningeal artery is a second alternative followed
by the Japanese technique using balloon. Nevertheless, when a well-developed posterior
communicating artery is present, a retrograde approach to the OA through this vessel
can be performed to deliver the chemotherapeutic drugs.
We present a case of an unsuccessful catheterization of the OA through the internal
carotid artery due to a challenging configuration of the OA/carotid siphon angle and
describe an alternative form of navigation and catheterization through the posterior
circulation.
To our knowledge, this is the third report of a successful retrograde catheterization
of the OA for IAC and constitutes an alternative route to deliver chemotherapy.
Keywords
retinoblastoma - intra-arterial chemotherapy - ophthalmic artery
