Necrotic choroidal melanoma masquerading as scleritis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology

Background:

• Choroidal melanoma is a rare intraocular malignancy.
• Scleritis is a painful inflammatory condition of the eye's white outer layer.

Observation:

• A patient presented with acute onset scleritis in the left eye.
• Ophthalmic examination revealed an underlying necrotic choroidal melanoma.

Findings:

• Asymptomatic choroidal melanoma can undergo spontaneous necrosis.
• Necrotic choroidal melanoma can clinically manifest as severe scleritis.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider necrotic choroidal melanoma in the differential diagnosis of acute scleritis.
• Early detection of intraocular melanoma is crucial for patient outcomes.