Carolyn Chen1, Karim N Jamal, Robert Nick Hogan, Rajiv Anand. 1. From the *Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas; †Texas Retina Associates, Department of Ophthalmology, Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas, Texas.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a case of amelanotic choroidal melanoma, previously treated with brachytherapy, subsequently exhibiting local extension through pars plana vitrectomy sites. METHOD: The authors present a retrospective interventional case report from a clinical practice. RESULTS: An amelanotic choroidal melanoma, previously responsive to brachytherapy, underwent two pars plana vitrectomies for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage with double-freeze cryotherapy to sclerotomy sites. Recurrent melanoma extended through the sclerotomies presenting as subconjunctival nodules requiring exenteration. CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy sclerotomy sites may serve as a route of extrascleral extension in previous brachytherapy treatment-responsive choroidal melanomas. Caution should be exercised in performing vitrectomy for choroidal melanomas with subsequent vitreous hemorrhage.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a case of amelanotic choroidal melanoma, previously treated with brachytherapy, subsequently exhibiting local extension through pars plana vitrectomy sites. METHOD: The authors present a retrospective interventional case report from a clinical practice. RESULTS: An amelanotic choroidal melanoma, previously responsive to brachytherapy, underwent two pars plana vitrectomies for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage with double-freeze cryotherapy to sclerotomy sites. Recurrent melanoma extended through the sclerotomies presenting as subconjunctival nodules requiring exenteration. CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy sclerotomy sites may serve as a route of extrascleral extension in previous brachytherapy treatment-responsive choroidal melanomas. Caution should be exercised in performing vitrectomy for choroidal melanomas with subsequent vitreous hemorrhage.