Intravitreal invasion of malignant cells from choroidal melanoma after brachytherapy
D. M. Robertson and R. J. Campbell
Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., USA.
We report intravitreal invasion by melanoma cells from a choroidal melanoma
after brachytherapy. A malignant melanoma of the choroid with collar-button
configuration was treated with iodine 125 brachytherapy. Years later, the
collar button developed a dark-chocolate color and began shedding pigmented
debris into the vitreous. Coalescence of this debris into spheroidal
aggregates suggested the presence of malignant cells; the eye was
enucleated. Histologic sections demonstrated a choroidal melanoma with
intraretinal and intravitreal invasion by melanoma. Clinical evidence of
intraretinal invasion by melanoma cells along with pigmented debris within
the vitreous cavity, especially when clustered in spheroidal aggregates,
suggests the presence of intravitreal invasion by malignant cells. In this
case, intravitreal invasion was verified histologically.
