[Choroidal metastasis from renal cell carcinoma]

A fifty-two year-old man who came to our emergency room because of gradual loss of vision in his right eye. He had suffered right nefrectomy for renal cell carcinoma seven years previously and pneumectomy for metastasis in his right lung three months ago. In the fundus examination a choroidal mass was found in his right eye, suggesting metastasis. Treatment was enucleation of the affected eye. During the first year there was no progression, but in the last six months it has re-appeared.

Choroidal metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is rare and can appear years after treating the primary tumour. Its symptoms are variable, and its shape is not very characteristic so it can be difficult to make a differential diagnosis.