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[Malignant masquerade syndromes]
J Heissigerová1, E Ríhová, P Svozílková
1Centrum pro diagnostiku a lécbu uveitid, Ocní klinika VFN a 1. LF UK, Praha. j.heissigerova@yahoo.co.uk
Purpose:
To evaluate our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of malignant masquerade syndromes.
Methods:
A retrospective study of 46 patients treated for malignant masquerade syndromes at our Department for Diagnosis and Treatment of Uveitis, 1st Faculty of Medicine in Prague, between 1995 and 2008, was performed.
Results:
Eighty-nine patients with masquerade syndromes (7.2%) from all 1233 patients with uveitis were included. Malignant masquerade syndromes were recognized in 46 patients (22 females and 24 males, mean age 55 years). The most frequent cause of malignant masquerade syndromes was intraocular non-Hodgkin lymphoma (26 patients). The primary diagnosis was idiopathic uveitis in many cases. The most valuable diagnostic procedure was analysis of intraocular fluids.
Conclusion:
Diagnosis of masquerade syndromes should be considered in all patients with idiopathic corticosteroid-resistant chronic uveitis. Timely diagnosis and treatment may in case of malignant masquerade syndromes improve prognosis and sometimes gain control over this potentially lethal disease.
Insights
Malignant masquerade syndromes, often misdiagnosed as idiopathic uveitis, require prompt diagnosis. Analysis of intraocular fluids is key for identifying these serious conditions and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Context:
- Masquerade syndromes present a diagnostic challenge in ophthalmology, mimicking chronic uveitis.
- Intraocular tumors and lymphomas can present as masquerade syndromes, necessitating careful evaluation.
- Idiopathic uveitis is a common initial diagnosis for masquerade syndromes, delaying appropriate treatment.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the diagnostic and treatment experience with malignant masquerade syndromes.
- To identify the most frequent causes and effective diagnostic methods for malignant masquerade syndromes.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 46 patients with malignant masquerade syndromes, a subset of 89 masquerade syndromes identified from 1233 uveitis cases.
- Intraocular non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the most common cause (26 patients).
- Analysis of intraocular fluids proved to be the most valuable diagnostic procedure.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of considering malignant masquerade syndromes in corticosteroid-resistant chronic uveitis.
- Emphasizes that timely diagnosis and treatment can improve prognosis and potentially control life-threatening conditions.
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