Ocular involvement in Epstein-Barr virus-associated T-cell lymphoma

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if serous retinal detachment may occur in a case of Epstein-Barr virus-associated T-cell lymphoma.

Methods: We examined a 51-year-old man who had recent loss of vision and poor general health.

Results: Ocular involvement consisted of bilateral serous retinal detachment and choroidal infiltrates. The diagnosis of lymphoma was made by liver biopsy. The course of the disease was fulminant. Postmortem histologic examination disclosed a massive infiltration of the choroid and hematopoietic organs by pleomorphic large T cells. Epstein-Barr virus was detected by in situ hybridization.

Conclusion: Ocular involvement, including choroidal infiltrates and serous retinal detachment, may occur in Epstein-Barr virus-associated T-cell lymphoma.