Ocular reticulum cell sarcoma

Abstract

In four of eight cases of reticulum cell sarcoma with ocular involvement diagnosis was made by craniotomy when the signs of a brain tumor developed. A fifth case had an isolated intraocular tumor. Of the other three, two were diagnosed by vitreous aspiration and one by cerebrospinal fluid cytology. Ocular reticulum cell sarcoma frequently accompanies or precedes brain involvement. In this form of the disease the ocular lesion is usually a tumor cell infiltrate of the retina. The associated retinochoroiditis leads to marked vitreous clouding and eventual retinal detachment and glaucoma may occur. On the other hand, when intraocular reticulum cell sarcoma occurs in association with the systemic lymph node visceral form of the disease, choroidal involvement is the rule. Vitreous aspiration may confirm the diagnosis at an early stage when clinical and laboratory evaluation reveal no disease outside the globe. The retinal tumor foci are radiosensitive and local radiation, although not curative, may restore visual acuity. Immunosuppressive therapy given in low doses for anti-inflammatory effect may exacerbate the disease.