Multimodal imaging in a case of presumed secondary vitreoretinal lymphoma presenting with inner retina and optic nerve head infiltration

Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2024 Mar 11:34:102040. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2024.102040. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: To report the findings supported by multimodal imaging in a case of secondary vitreoretinal lymphoma presenting with inner retina and optic nerve head infiltration.

Observations: A 64-year-old man with systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presented with reduced visual acuity. Moderate anterior chamber and vitreous cell were present. Fundus exam showed bilateral disc edema and diffuse opaque macular infiltrates with a pseudo cherry-red spot in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography showed inner retinal infiltration and loss of normal architecture. Surgery for tissue biopsy was discussed and declined due to risk. Instead, multimodal imaging and anterior chamber fluid sampling were used as a surrogate for tissue biopsy and helped rule out infectious uveitis and retinal vascular disease. The patient was empirically treated with intravitreal methotrexate with rapid improvement in vision, exam, and quality of life.

Conclusions and importance: Multimodal imaging can support a presumed diagnosis of secondary vitreoretinal lymphoma in order to proceed with intravitreal methotrexate treatment, which can result in rapid clinical and visual improvement.

Keywords: Intravitreal methotrexate; Multimodal imaging; Optical coherence tomography; Retina; Vitreoretinal lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports