Bilateral Choroidal Metastases from Primary Cutaneous Melanoma Following Nivolumab Discontinuation: A Case Report

To present the case of a young patient with BRAF V600E-mutant cutaneous melanoma who developed bilateral choroidal metastases complicated by neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in both eyes following the interruption of nivolumab therapy.

A 28-year-old female with primary cutaneous melanoma of the left hand underwent surgical resection and adjuvant nivolumab. Immunotherapy was discontinued due to immune-related acute interstitial nephritis. Three months after cessation, she presented with bilateral decreased vision, pain, and redness.

Ophthalmic examination and imaging revealed bilateral choroidal thickening with focal nodular lesions consistent with metastatic disease, along with uveitis and NVG in both eyes. This condition required topical anti-inflammatory treatment and cyclophotocoagulation for intraocular pressure (IOP) control. Nivolumab was reinitiated in combination with systemic corticosteroids to manage immune-related toxicity. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient retained visual function in one eye, with no signs of new metastatic lesions.

Bilateral choroidal metastases from cutaneous melanoma are rare and can be complicated by NVG. Interruption of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like nivolumab may lead to metastatic recurrence. Prompt resumption of immunotherapy, coupled with appropriate ocular interventions, is crucial for controlling disease progression and preserving vision. Careful management of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) is essential to prevent treatment discontinuation and subsequent disease relapse.