Choroidal metastasis in disseminated lung cancer: frequency and risk factors.

PURPOSE: To determine frequency, risk factors, and benefit of a prospective screening for intraocular metastasis in patients with metastatic lung cancer.

DESIGN

Consecutive observational case series.

METHODS

An ophthalmologic screening was performed on 84 consecutive patients suffering from metastatic lung cancer. Medical history and disease stage were evaluated in regard to the risk for intraocular metastasis.

RESULTS

In six patients (7.1%) choroidal metastasis (CM) was detected. Choroidal metastasis was present only when at least two other organ system were affected by metastasis (P =.03). The choroid was the sixth common site of organ metastasis. Mean remaining life span in patients with CM was 1.9 (0.2-5.9) months.

CONCLUSIONS

Choroidal metastasis is common in advanced metastatic lung cancer. However, due to the short survival of affected individuals, a systematic screening of at-risk patients for CM seems to be of limited benefit.