Ciliary body melanocytoma with anterior segment pigment dispersion and elevated intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE: To discuss a case in which melanocytoma of the ciliary body presented with widespread pigment dispersion and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

METHODS

A 64-year old woman presented with increased IOP and persistent anterior segment inflammation in her right eye. She had undergone a trabeculectomy for uncontrolled IOP before presentation. Slit-lamp examination, gonioscopy, and ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a ciliary body mass with extension into the subconjunctiva in addition to widespread pigmentary dispersion in the anterior segment. Enucleation of the right eye was performed for histopathologic evaluation, as a diagnosis of ciliary body melanoma was made on clinical examination.

RESULTS

Histopathologic findings were diagnostic of a melanocytoma of the ciliary body with necrosis and focal malignant transformation with extension of melanocytoma cells and melanophages into the subconjunctival space, trabecular meshwork, and anterior chamber angle.

CONCLUSION

Melanocytoma of the ciliary body is a rare intraocular tumor that may present with pigment dispersion and secondary elevated IOP. Careful examination of the anterior segment is imperative in such cases.