Primary Intraocular Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: Diagnostic Difficulties in Deep Retinal Infiltrations with Vitritis

Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus. 2016 Jun;32(Suppl 1):143-7. doi: 10.1007/s12288-015-0599-x. Epub 2015 Sep 20.

Abstract

Purpose: Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a rare malignancy with an aggressive clinical course. It is usually considered as a subset of primary central nervous system lymphoma. Differential diagnosis should include infectious and non-infectious aetiologies, particularly the common masqueraders sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, viral retinitis and syphilis.

Patient: The article presents a case of bilateral vitreoretinal lymphoma manifesting as uveitis and vitritis resistant to corticosteroid therapy. The final diagnosis was based on a retinal biopsy.

Results: The patient was successfully treated with systemic and local therapy. Long-term complete remission (CR) was reached. The relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was revealed in the frontal left lobe after 48 months of CR duration.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of PIOL is always very difficult. Cooperation of pathologists, ophthalmologists and hematologists is required for a quick and accurate diagnosis. Local and systemic treatment is needed to achieve CR, but the relapse rate remains very high.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Lymphoma; Retinal infiltration; Uveitis; Vitritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports