Vitreous Haemorrhage and Retinal Neovascularization Secondary to Peripheral Retinal Ischemia as the Presenting Sign of a Disseminated Melanoma.

PURPOSE: We describe a case of vitreous haemorrhage and retinal neovascularization secondary to peripheral retinal ischemia associated with disseminated melanoma.

METHODS

A retrospective case report.

RESULTS

A 48-year-old man presented with vitreous haemorrhage in the right eye, peripheral retinal ischemia, and retinal neovascularization in both eyes. CT and MRI scans were suggestive of disseminated malignancy and an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the abdominal mass confirmed metastatic melanoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with ipilimumab/nivolumab was initiated. Regarding his ocular status, the vitreous haemorrhage cleared spontaneously, visual acuity improved to 6/7.5 and the patient underwent bilateral peripheral scatter laser photocoagulation to stabilize the retinopathy. The patient passed away 1 year after the initial presentation.

CONCLUSION

Our patient presented with melanoma and peripheral retinal ischaemia, leading to retinal neovascularization and vitreous haemorrhage. Therefore, melanoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis when investigating the aetiology of peripheral retinal ischaemia.