Systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as a serpiginous choroidopathy: Report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

Intraocular lymphoma is a rare tumour, the two main types being primary central nervous system non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (CNS-NHL) and, less commonly, systemic lymphoma that has spread to involve the eye. We present a case of a systemic NHL resulting in a serpiginous choroidopathy. To our knowledge, this presentation has not previously been reported. The diagnosis of this case was made based on the temporal relationship between the clinical activity of the choroidopathy and its response to chemotherapy. Diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma on vitreous biopsy is notoriously difficult, and this case is presented along with a review of the literature regarding vitreous biopsy and diagnostic techniques.