Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
Choroidal melanoma masquerading as panuveitis in a patient with multiple myeloma
Vincent R Vann1, Gian P Giuliari, Rodolfo M Banda
1From *Valley Retina Institute, P.A., McAllen, Texas; †the Department of Pathology, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas; and ‡The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Background:
Choroidal melanoma can sometimes present with associated anterior uveitis or panuveitis that can mask the underlying intraocular neoplasm and confound the diagnosis.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review.
Results:
A 58-year-old woman presented with recurrent episodes of hypopyon, severe panuveitis, and a choroidal mass lesion in the right eye. Extensive systemic workup led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Despite successful treatment of myeloma, the choroidal mass persisted and increased in size. Transscleral biopsy of the mass lesion revealed primary malignant choroidal melanoma.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates that choroidal melanoma can present as masquerade syndrome with significant intraocular inflammation. Such cases pose a significant diagnostic dilemma to the clinician. Transscleral choroidal biopsy can provide critical information that is essential to establishing a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
