Metastatic esophageal carcinoma to the eye masquerading as inflammatory vitreo-retinitis: A case report and literature review

Abstract

We report an unusual case of metastatic esophageal carcinoma to the vitreous associated with focal retinitis in a 44-year-old male. A 44-year-old male patient, known case of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma, presented with a 3-day history of left eye floaters. The initial diagnosis was inflammatory vitreo-retinitis that responded to systemic steroids. Four months later, the patient presented with relapsed intraocular inflammation, vitreous biopsy using a 25G needle was performed, and cytology confirmed the presence of metastatic carcinoma consistent with his primary esophageal cancer. The patient received external beam radiotherapy to his ocular and brain metastasis, and his eye examination was stable. Five months later, the patient passed away due to progressive brain metastasis.

Keywords

• carcinoma
• metastasis
• retina
• vitreous
• vitritis