Bilateral simultaneous primary choroidal melanomas: Treated with palladium-103 plaque radiation

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2018 Sep;28(5):NP1-NP5. doi: 10.1177/1120672118757668. Epub 2018 Mar 25.

Abstract

Purpose: To provide a clinical description of a case of bilateral choroidal melanoma in a patient treated with palladium-103 (103Pd) plaque brachytherapy.

Methods: An 81-year-old man presented with choroidal melanoma in both eyes. In consideration of tumor sizes and locations, treatment involved insertion of 103Pd radioactive plaque in the right eye followed by the left at an interval of 2 months.

Results: At 1-year follow-up, bilateral local control has been associated with apical tumor height regression, and visual acuity has been preserved (20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left). Exudative subretinal fluid has resolved. There has been no metastasis.

Conclusion: Bilateral choroidal melanomas are rare, reported to be either simultaneous or sequential as well as treatable. In this case, we were able to achieve tumor regression and preserve visual acuity in both eyes after plaque brachytherapy.

Keywords: Bilateral; brachytherapy; choroidal; melanoma; simultaneous.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Choroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Choroid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Choroid Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma / radiotherapy*
  • Ophthalmoscopy
  • Palladium / therapeutic use*
  • Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Radioisotopes
  • Palladium
  • Palladium-103