Bilateral choroidal metastasis from carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

The histological, clinical and angiographic findings are reported of a 34-year-old man with bilateral visual loss who had left parotidectomy with subsequent radiotherapy due to carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland 1 year before. Funduscopy disclosed choroidal masses with surrounding serous retinal detachment in both posterior poles. At the time of ocular diagnosis, lung, pleura and pharynx metastases had recently been revealed. Because of the extent of disease and its poor prognosis, no treatment was offered. Although parotid gland carcinoma usually spreads via lymphatics, choroidal involvement may rarely occur due to haematogenous dissemination.