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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
Bilateral isolated choroidal melanocytosis.
Howard F Fine1, Claudia Brue, Chiara Eandi
1From *Vitreous, Retina, Macula Consultants of New York, the LuEsther T. Mertz Retina Research Laboratory, Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, New York; †Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York; ‡University Politecnica della Marche, Ancona, Italy; §Department of Dermatology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York; and ¶Department of Dermatology, Dermatopathology Section, New York University School of Medicine, New York.
Isolated choroidal melanocytosis, a rare condition of patchy choroidal hyperpigmentation, can present diffusely and bilaterally. This case report expands understanding of this ocular condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Isolated choroidal melanocytosis is characterized by patchy melanocytic choroidal hyperpigmentation.
- It is distinct from ocular melanocytosis and oculodermal melanocytosis, lacking scleral or cutaneous pigmentation.
- Bilateral or diffuse presentations have not been previously documented in medical literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel case of isolated choroidal melanocytosis.
- To highlight the potential for bilateral and diffuse presentations of this condition.
Main Methods:
- A case report methodology was employed.
- Clinical examination of a 43-year-old woman with bilateral diffuse choroidal hyperpigmentation.
- Diagnostic imaging including B-scan ultrasonography and cutaneous biopsy with Fontana Masson staining.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with diffuse patchy melanocytic choroidal hyperpigmentation affecting nearly 12 clock hours in both eyes, featuring feathered margins and choroidal vascular sparing.
- B-scan ultrasonography revealed normal choroidal thickness.
- Cutaneous biopsy results were normal, with no evidence of giant melanosomes.
Conclusions:
- Isolated choroidal melanocytosis can manifest bilaterally and diffusely.
- This presentation expands the known spectrum of isolated choroidal melanocytosis.
