Controlled aspiration of subretinal fluid in the diagnosis of carcinoma metastatic to the choroid

P. Sternberg Jr, J. Tiedeman, D. Hickingbotham, B. W. McCuen 2nd and A. D. Proia

Carcinoma metastatic to the choroid was diagnosed in three patients by cytopathologic examination of subretinal fluid. The specimen was obtained using a scleral depressor modified to allow controlled aspiration of subretinal fluid through a sharp, angled, 30-gauge needle. This new method provides a useful tool for accurate diagnosis of carcinoma metastatic to the choroid in cases where the diagnosis is in question.