Subretinal aspiration biopsy of ocular lymphoma

Am J Ophthalmol. 1997 Mar;123(3):420-2. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)70150-3.

Abstract

Purpose: Large-cell lymphoma can be difficult to diagnose because vitreous biopsies may fail to disclose neoplastic cells.

Methods: We report one such case in which diagnosis was confirmed by subretinal aspiration of yellow-white infiltrates using a pars plana approach.

Results: A 67-year-old woman with recurrent bilateral uveitis was diagnosed with large-cell lymphoma by subretinal aspiration of yellow-white infiltrates after two vitreous biopsies and a concurrent retinal biopsy failed to confirm the diagnosis.

Conclusions: When the suspicion of intraocular lymphoma remains high despite previous negative vitreous biopsies, retinal biopsy and aspiration biopsy of subretinal lesions may enhance the diagnostic yield.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Cytarabine / therapeutic use
  • Drainage / methods
  • Female
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / radiotherapy
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / radiotherapy
  • Retina / pathology*
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Retinal Diseases / therapy
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Cytarabine