25-gauge transconjunctival diagnostic vitrectomy in suspected cases of intraocular lymphoma: a case series and review of the literature

AIM:To report the cytology results of 25-gauge transconjunctival(25G-TSV)diagnostic vitrectomy in cases suspicious for intraocular lymphoma(IOL),and compare the results to those reported in the literature.METHODS:Clinical and cytopathological records of 18vitreous biopsy specimens obtained via 25G-TSV diagnostic vitrectomy in 12 patients suspicious for IOL were reviewed retrospectively.A review of the literature in regards to the diagnostic yields of vitreous specimens obtained via 25-gauge and 20-gauge diagnostic vitrectomy in suspected cases of IOL was performed.RESULTS:Eighteen eyes from 12 patients with clinical suspicion of IOL underwent diagnostic 25G-TSV.The cytopathological investigations demonstrated IOL in 15eyes(83.3%).Vitreous analysis was non-diagnostic in 3eyes(16.7%).CONCLUSION:Twenty-five-gauge diagnostic vitrectomy yields adequate sample for cytological evaluation of the vitreous in cases suspicious for IOL.The diagnostic results of the 25G-TSV in the current study are superior to those reported for 20-gauge vitrectomy but equivalent to those reported for 25G-TSV in the published literature.