Recurrent monocular exudative retinal detachment as the first manifestation of squamous cell lung cancer

Abstract

Rationale: In this report, we present an extremely rare case of recurrent monocular exudative retinal detachment without concomitant ocular metastases. This turned out to be the first symptom of squamous cell lung cancer. Patient concerns: A 63-year-old woman was referred to our ophthalmology clinic by her primary care physician with a complaint of deteriorating vision in her right eye that had started four months prior, without concomitant pain. Diagnoses: We observed a detachment in the lower part of the retina during her ophthalmoscopy. We did not find any tears, holes, or degenerative changes in the periphery of the retina of the right eye during the surgery. In addition, plaques, tumor masses, and metastases were absent. Therefore, we diagnosed her with unilateral paraneoplastic exudative retinal detachment. Imaging tests performed before surgery revealed perihilar density with a visible air bronchogram in the middle field of the left lung. This turned out to be squamous cell carcinoma. Interventions: Patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy and routine laboratory and imaging tests before the procedure that utilized 20-gauge instrumentation. The subretinal fluid and was drained and a tamponade using Densiron (Fluoron Co, Neu-Ulm, Germany) was applied. After ophthalmic treatment, patient underwent complex oncological treatment based on chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Outcomes: Despite the application of heavy silicone oil (Densiron) into the vitreous chamber, we observed a recurrence of retinal detachment in the right eye during the follow-up visit, 13 months after the first ophthalmic surgery. Following subsequent pars plana vitrectomy, the Densiron and subretinal membranes were removed. Despite oncological treatment, the patient died, twenty months after the appearance of the first ocular symptoms. Lessons: Exudative retinal detachment without tumor metastasis to the eyeball can be one of the first signs of lung cancer in rare cases. Multidisciplinary care and imaging methods with greater accuracy will provide comprehensive care to the patients. It will not only facilitate timely detection and treatment of lung tumors but also for a plethora of oncological diseases.

Unilateral exudative retinal detachment as the first manifestation of lung carcinoma

“…3 However, only three cases of ERD as the first symptom of lung carcinoma without concomitant ocular metastasis have been reported worldwide. [4][5] Thus, we report another case of ERD as the first manifestation of malignancy.…”

Exudative retinal detachment in Nigerians: Demographics and causes

“…Lymphangioma, haemangioma and metastatic tumours, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia,[ 12 ] squamous cell lung cancer are known causes of ERD. [ 13 ] Other causes of ERD include familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, Norrie disease, uveal effusion, central serous chorioretinopathy,[ 1 ] and chronic renal failure. [ 14 ]…”

Giant Retinal Pigment Epithelium Tear Resulting in Neurosensory Retinal Detachment: An Atypical Case

“…However, given the rapid onset of the patient’s presentation, this appears less likely. 19–21 After removal of his Medtronic implant, the patient underwent an MRI scan of his brain, orbits, and abdomen that revealed previously known kidney changes postnephrectomy without frank evidence of a metastatic or inflammatory process.…”