Rationale: Breast carcinoma is the most common primary source of choroidal metastasis (CM). In the present case, esophageal cancer was the primary tumour, brain metastasis occurred, and CM occurred later in the left eye with 2 retinal detachments, which is very rare.
Patient concerns: A 62-year-old man complained of a sudden decrease in visual acuity consisting of a small shadow in front of his left eye with a sensation of covered vision after 1 cycle of systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy for resected esophageal cancer with brain metastasis. Fundus examination revealed exudative retinal detachment without retinal tears. CM with exudative retinal detachment was also considered. The patient refused further treatment. After the second cycle of chemotherapy, there were no significant changes in the retina and visual acuity improved. However, after craniocerebral surgery for brain metastasis, the visual acuity decreased again and showed 3 choroidal masses with macular involvement and retinal detachment but without retinal tears.
Diagnosis: The final diagnosis was CM with retinal detachment.
Interventions: The patient was advised to undergo enucleation of the left eye during the second retinal detachment, but he refused.
Outcomes: Two months after the second retinal detachment, the patient died of systemic metastases.
Lessons: It is important to consider CM when the first retinal detachment and known cancer are diagnosed. At present, it is necessary to develop a standardised treatment plan as well as a multidisciplinary approach to early diagnosis, combined treatment, and timely intervention for such cases.
Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.