[Attempt at preoperative differentiation of malignant melanoma of the choroid. A comparison of nuclear magnetic resonance tomography, ultrasound echography and histopathology].

In a large choroidal melanoma (prominence 12 mm, volume approx. 1,900 mm3) diagnostic sonography revealed an unusual compartmentation, corresponding to the internal reflectivity of the tumor. When NMR imaging was performed, marked differences in signal behavior were seen between the tumor's center and its periphery. Histopathology revealed a highly pigmented spindle B melanoma containing an amelanotic island with signs of necrosis. The ultrasound pattern was explained on the basis of well known physical phenomena, whereas the NMR signals are still not fully understood.