Lung adenocarcinoma and malignant uveitis masquerade syndrome

METASTATIC BREAST CARCINOMA TO THE VITREOUS

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and pathologic findings in two patients with prior breast carcinoma who underwent diagnostic vitrectomy for vitreous opacities and preretinal membrane.

METHODS

The clinical histories and ophthalmic findings in two patients were reviewed. Vitrectomy specimens from the patients were processed by cytospin and standard tissue techniques, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined immunohistochemically for cytokeratins. The original breast carcinoma specimens were reviewed.

RESULTS

The vitreous in both patients contained malignant cells with cytologic features consistent with metastatic carcinoma. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for cytokeratins in the cells. The cytologic findings in the vitreous cells resembled the primary breast carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast carcinoma may metastasize to the vitreous, most likely via the retina. The clinical manifestations include vitreous cell and preretinal membrane.