Choroidal nevus with retinal invasion, clinical and imaging features

Abstract

Purpose: To report a clinically challenging case of a choroidal nevus with retinal invasion with accompanying ancillary testing.

Observations: A 60-year-old Caucasian female was referred for a suspicious melanocytic choroidal lesion in her left eye. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed a melanocytic choroidal lesion, measuring 10 mm × 10 mm in basal diameter. The lesion had a clinically evident area of retinal invasion seen as a protruding choroidal mass at its center, darker in appearance compared to the rest of the lesion, obscuring retinal vessels. The choroidal nevus had associated chronic retinal changes and the absence of overlying orange pigment or subretinal fluid. On fundus autofluorescence, there was a hypoautofluorescent area showing the site of retinal invasion. Fluorescein angiography at the lesion site exhibited central blocked perfusion corresponding to the area of retinal invasion. Ultrasonography showed a dome-shaped choroidal lesion that was optically dense with a medium-high internal reflectivity measuring 3.3mm in thickness. The optical coherence tomography showed a choroidal mass extruding through a break in Bruch's membrane with inner retinal invasion. A watchful waiting strategy was adopted, and at 28 months follow-up, the choroidal lesion did not show growth or presence of new suspicious features of malignant transformation.

Conclusion and importance: This case highlights the importance of recognizing the key features of choroidal nevi with retinal invasion, which can prevent the treatment of a benign condition and assist in the arrival of a correct diagnosis. These lesions should be monitored for long-term.

Keywords: Choroid; Melanoma; Nevus; Retinal invasion.