Retinal vascular changes in malignant melanoma of the choroid

A review of fluorescein angiograms from 41 patients with malignant melanoma of the choroid showed that 11 patients (27%) had evidence of retinal vascular abnormalities. Abnormal retinal capillaries were found in eight cases, areas of capillary nonperfusion in seven cases, and microaneurysms in four cases. Lipid exudation, retinal neovascularization, and arteriovenous communication were noted in one case each. Histopathologic studies in eight cases showed extensive degeneration of the overlaying retina in all eight cases and extension through Bruch's membrane by the tumor in four cases. Abnormal capillary architecture was demonstrated by trypsin digest preparations from four cases.