Dislocated lens nuclei simulating choroidal melanomas

W. L. Alward, S. F. Byrne, J. R. Hughes and E. A. Hodapp
Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Fla.

Three patients underwent echographic examinations for lesions suspected of being choroidal malignant melanomas. All patients were pseudophakic, and two had extensive optic nerve damage from inflammatory glaucoma. In all three patients echography demonstrated an intravitreal lens nucleus that had been lost during cataract extraction. To our knowledge, dislocated lens nuclei have not been reported previously in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma. This diagnosis should be considered in the aphakic or pseudophakic patient with a fundus mass lesion. Echography is especially helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis.