Pseudo-pigmented choroidal schwannoma with extraocular extension in an elderly patient

Purpose: To describe a rare case of clinically pigmented choroidal schwannoma with extraocular extension in an elderly patient.

Observations: We report a case of a 79-year-old Black male who presented with a clinically pigmented, juxtapapillary choroidal tumor with concern for extraocular extension on standardized ocular echography. The lesion was concerning for choroidal melanoma with extraocular extension. He had no history of cancer or known genetic disease. After an extensive discussion of management options, he underwent enucleation of the left eye. Histopathology of the tumor showed non-pigmented cells with bland, spindle-shaped nuclei and areas of Antoni A pattern along with immunostaining consistent with choroidal schwannoma with extraocular extension.

Conclusion: Choroidal schwannoma can mimic choroidal melanoma and can have a clinically pigmented appearance particularly in darkly complected individuals. This case highlights the importance of including choroidal schwannoma on the differential diagnosis for choroidal neoplasms, particularly in populations of individuals in whom melanoma is less common. Though more common in younger patients, choroidal schwannoma can present in elderly patients.