Suprachoroidal and vitreous haemorrhage as a presenting feature of metastatic melanoma

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Jun 23;16(6):e249738. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249738.

Abstract

A man in his 70s presented with right ocular pain, vision loss and temporal headache 4 days after undergoing laser peripheral iridotomy. The patient had lost 10 lbs over the preceding 6 weeks and had a medical history significant for a previously excised melanoma of the left arm. During the course of investigations, the patient was referred to oncology for workup, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. Visceral metastases were identified in the lungs, right anterior fourth rib, left femoral distal diaphysis and medial side of the right globe. The patient decompensated and died shortly after his first radiotherapy treatment.This is the first published report of suprachoroidal haemorrhage secondary to metastasis from suspected cutaneous melanoma. The case highlights the importance of considering malignancy on the differential diagnosis for a suprachoroidal haemorrhage of unknown aetiology and involving oncology early for workup and treatment.

Keywords: Eye; Ophthalmology; Skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Eye Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary* / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Vitreous Body / pathology
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / pathology