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Multiple bilateral choroidal metastatic tumors from a small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
M Nicolo'1, F C Piccolino, D Ghiglione
1Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Genetic, University Eye Clinic of Genova, Genova - Ita.
Purpose:
To report one case of multiple and bilateral choroidal tumors from a poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary.
Methods:
The case of a 30-years-old white female who developed multiple and bilateral choroidal tumors from a poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary is presented.
Results:
The patient had a disseminated disease and died 6 months after. The oncologic work-up, including physical examination, laboratory and radiographic study, fails to identiy the primary site.
Conclusions:
Intraocular involvement from a poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary has not yet reported. We describe thic case together with a review of the literature. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2005; 15: 148-52).
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of multiple, bilateral choroidal tumors caused by small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary. This unusual intraocular involvement highlights the importance of comprehensive oncologic evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) is an aggressive malignancy.
- Intraocular metastases are rare, with choroidal involvement being particularly uncommon.
- Unknown primary tumors pose diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of bilateral choroidal tumors secondary to poorly differentiated SCNEC of unknown primary.
- To contribute to the literature on rare intraocular manifestations of SCNEC.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of a clinical case of a 30-year-old female with multiple and bilateral choroidal tumors.
- Comprehensive oncologic work-up including physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiographic studies.
- Review of existing literature on intraocular SCNEC.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with disseminated disease.
- Despite extensive investigations, the primary tumor site remained unidentified.
- The patient succumbed to the disease six months post-diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- This is the first reported case of intraocular involvement from poorly differentiated SCNEC of unknown primary.
- The case underscores the potential for SCNEC to metastasize to the choroid.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and outcomes of SCNEC in the eye.
