Effects and recurrence of proton beam therapy for retinal detachment due to choroidal hemangioma in Sturge–Weber syndrome patients: A case report

RATIONALE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and recurrence patterns of proton beam therapy for choroidal hemangioma-associated retinal detachment in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome, addressing the limitations of conventional treatments and further elucidating posttreatment recurrence patterns. PATIENT CONCERNS: Three patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome presented with retinal detachment secondary to diffuse choroidal hemangioma, refractory to standard therapies. DIAGNOSES: All patients were diagnosed with choroidal hemangioma complicated by subretinal fluid accumulation and retinal detachment in the context of Sturge-Weber syndrome. INTERVENTIONS: Each patient underwent targeted proton beam therapy directed at the choroidal hemangioma. OUTCOMES: In all 3 cases, subretinal fluid gradually decreased and ultimately resolved. One patient experienced initial tumor thinning followed by a subsequent increase in hemangioma thickness accompanied by reappearance of subretinal fluid, indicating recurrence. LESSONS: Proton beam therapy appears to be an effective treatment modality for retinal detachment associated with choroidal hemangioma in Sturge-Weber syndrome. However, an increase in hemangioma thickness after initial response signals a risk of recurrence; therefore, regular optical coherence tomography and B-mode ophthalmic ultrasound examinations are essential for early detection and timely intervention.