[Epidemio-clinical features of retinoblastoma at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital Center in Burkina Faso: about 32 cases]. / Caractéristiques épidémio-cliniques du rétino blastome au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouedraogo du Burkina Faso: à propos de 32 cas.

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular cancer of childhood. Its estimated incidence is 1 case per 15 000 to 18 000 births. The purpose of this study is to highlight the epidemiological and clinical features of this disease as well as its management in Burkina Faso. We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 5 years at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital Center. The average age of patients was 33 months, with predominance of male sex (68.75%). Exophthalmia was the most frequent reason for consultation (59.37%). The predominant pattern was unilateral (75%) associated with eye protrusion (59.38%). Chemotherapy associated with surgery was the treatment of choice, with a 5-year survival rate of 34.37%. Retinoblastoma is one of the most common cancers in children younger than 5 years. In our low-income country this disease is diagnosed late. Patients´ management is complex and is commonly associated with poor prognosis. Mortality and morbidity from this disease are disproportionate in our country facing a shortage of technical equipment. In our low-income country, patient´s management should be based on early detection of the disease as well as on adequate treatment.

Facial Fracture-Associated Blindness.

INTRODUCTION: Yet uncommon, blindness is a potential associated injury of facial fractures. METHODS: Epidemiology, mechanisms, fracture types, and outcome of facial fractures-associated blindness in a 10-year period are retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Out of 907 facial fractures patients, 10 had blindness, giving a frequency of 1.1%. There were 9 men and 1 woman whom age range was 6 to 59 years (mean: 31.2 years). Intentional injury patients were significantly the most at risk of blindness (P = 0.02). In all the patients, the fracture involved at least 1 of the orbit walls. Risk of blindness was significantly higher in naso-fronto-orbito-ethmoidal complex fractures (P = 0.03). The vision loss was recorded in 13 eyes (unilateral in 7 patients and bilateral in 3). Its predominant mechanism was a globe rupture or perforation, recorded in 8 eyes. A treatment with intention to improve the vision was attempted in 1 patient only. None of the patients had vision recovery. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study commend comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation in any patient with an orbit wall fracture.