Vitreous Haemorrhage and Retinal Neovascularization Secondary to Peripheral Retinal Ischemia as the Presenting Sign of a Disseminated Melanoma

ABSTRACT

Purpose

We describe a case of vitreous haemorrhage and retinal neovascularization secondary to peripheral retinal ischemia associated with disseminated melanoma.

Methods

A retrospective case report.

Results

A 48-year-old man presented with vitreous haemorrhage in the right eye, peripheral retinal ischemia, and retinal neovascularization in both eyes. CT and MRI scans were suggestive of disseminated malignancy and an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the abdominal mass confirmed metastatic melanoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with ipilimumab/nivolumab was initiated. Regarding his ocular status, the vitreous haemorrhage cleared spontaneously, visual acuity improved to 6/7.5 and the patient underwent bilateral peripheral scatter laser photocoagulation to stabilize the retinopathy. The patient passed away 1 year after the initial presentation.

Conclusion

 Our patient presented with melanoma and peripheral retinal ischaemia, leading to retinal neovascularization and vitreous haemorrhage. Therefore, melanoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis when investigating the aetiology of peripheral retinal ischaemia.

KEYWORDS:

• CNV
• disseminated melanoma
• MAR
• retinal neovascularization
• vitreous haemorrhage

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Informed consent

The informed consent was obtained from the next of kin because the participant is deceased.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.