Ciliary body melanocytoma with anterior segment pigment dispersion and elevated intraocular pressure

Abstract

Purpose: To discuss a case in which melanocytoma of the ciliary body presented with widespread pigment dispersion and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods: A 64-year old woman presented with increased IOP and persistent anterior segment inflammation in her right eye. She had undergone a trabeculectomy for uncontrolled IOP before presentation. Slit-lamp examination, gonioscopy, and ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a ciliary body mass with extension into the subconjunctiva in addition to widespread pigmentary dispersion in the anterior segment. Enucleation of the right eye was performed for histopathologic evaluation, as a diagnosis of ciliary body melanoma was made on clinical examination.

Results: Histopathologic findings were diagnostic of a melanocytoma of the ciliary body with necrosis and focal malignant transformation with extension of melanocytoma cells and melanophages into the subconjunctival space, trabecular meshwork, and anterior chamber angle.

Conclusion: Melanocytoma of the ciliary body is a rare intraocular tumor that may present with pigment dispersion and secondary elevated IOP. Careful examination of the anterior segment is imperative in such cases.