Unmasking an unusual presentation of Hodgkin's lymphoma masquerading as ocular inflammation: a case report

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is an extremely rare cause of ocular inflammation that is usually not considered in the typical workup of uveitis and other eye diseases. A few cases of ocular inflammation were reported previously showcasing HL with absence of typical symptoms of HL at presentation. Acknowledging the potential ocular inflammation associated with HL can prompt ophthalmologists to broaden their diagnostic approach and collaborate with internal medicine departments to investigate this rare yet significant etiology.

A 17-year-old Caucasian woman presenting unilateral panuveitis was later diagnosed with HL. The ocular findings were non-necrotizing scleritis, anterior uveitis, vitritis, white/yellowish chorioretinal lesions, papillitis and vasculitis. A left supra-clavicular lymph node biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma stage IIB. Other causes of uveitis were excluded. Chemotherapy led to remission of the disease and the ocular lesions became quiescent with persistent pigmented chorioretinal scars.

Hodgkin's lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diseases that can occasionally be revealed by unilateral ocular inflammation. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is key to properly assessing such cases.