Choroidal metastasis from submandibular salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma

Abstract

A case of choroidal metastasis from an adenoid cystic carcinoma ofsubmandibular salivary gland is described. A 50-year-old woman with loss of vision in her left eye for 1 week was evaluated clinically, radiologically, and pathologically. A fundus image of the left eye showed an amelanotic, plateau-shaped choroidal mass measuring 17 x 12 X 4 mm with overlying exudative retinal detachment. A choroidal biopsy was consistent with metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma from her submandibular salivary gland treated 5 years previously. She was treated with external beam radiotherapy but developed liver and lung metastases 3 months later and died within 1 month. All of the metastases demonstrated a basaloid histologic variant of adenoid cystic carcinoma that is known for its aggressive potential. Salivary gland carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the choroid; however, evaluation of patients with this carcinoma should include ophthalmic examination.