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Iris extramedullary hematopoiesis in choroidal melanoma
Beatrice Gallo1,2, Rana'a T Al-Jamal3, Caroline Thaung4
1Ocular Oncology Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Summary
Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) was found in the iris of patients with choroidal melanoma (CM). This rare finding occurred without systemic disorders, marking a novel histopathological discovery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
- Hematology
Background:
- Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) typically occurs in patients with compromised bone marrow function, affecting organs like the liver, spleen, or lymph nodes.
- The presence of EMH in ocular tissues is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the occurrence of extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) in the iris of patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma (CM).
- To investigate the association between iris EMH and choroidal melanoma in the absence of systemic hematological disorders.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series involving three patients who underwent enucleation for choroidal melanoma (CM).
- Two patients had primary enucleation, and one had secondary enucleation.
Main Results:
- Histopathological examination of the enucleated eyes revealed extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) within the iris tissue of all three patients.
- The presence of EMH in the iris was confirmed in every case studied.
Conclusions:
- Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) in the iris can be a histopathological finding associated with choroidal melanoma (CM).
- This association can exist independently of any underlying hematological or systemic disorders.
- This study represents the first documented report of EMH occurring in the iris in conjunction with choroidal melanoma.
