The Use of P32 in the Diagnosis of Ocular Tumors

Abstract

Since 1952 when Thomas, Krohmer, and Storaasli¹ first reported the use of radioactive phosphorus (P³²) in the differential diagnosis of intraocular tumors, other workers^2-14 have continued these studies in various eye centers throughout the country. In late 1957 the Radioisotope Division of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary began the clinical use of radiophosphorus in suspected tumor cases. This paper presents the experience of the Radioisotope Division in a series of 125 cases over the past 30 months. These patients ranging in age from 7 to 76 years were referred for the P³² test from private and clinical sources in the metropolitan area. Technique The initial work-up consisted of a history, determination of visual acuity, ophthalmoscopic examination, slit-lamp and gonioscopic studies, tonometry, retro- and transillumination, anterior segment or fundus photography, and visual field and radiographic studies where indicated. Following this preliminary work-up the radioactive phosphorus