Optic disc and choroidal metastasis from sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma: case report and review of the literature.

Yildiz İ., Sen F., Tuncer S., Kilic L., Basaran M., Bavbek S.

Onkologie, vol.34, no.11, pp.630-3, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 34 Issue: 11
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1159/000334197
  • Journal Name: Onkologie
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.630-3
  • Keywords: Choroid, Optic disc, Metastasis, Medullary thyroid carcinoma, MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA, PHASE-II, CANCER, INHIBITORS, ANGIOGENESIS, EXPRESSION, DIAGNOSIS, RECEPTOR, THERAPY, KINASES
  • Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Choroidal metastasis is a very rare clinical manifestation of thyroid cancer. Herein, we report on a patient with non-familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), who presented with choroidal metastasis. Case Report: A 63-year-old male patient with MTC presented with sudden loss of vision in his right eye for 1 month. The patient had a history of complete thyroidectomy and chemotherapy for disseminated MTC. Ophthalmological examination showed optic disc and choroidal metastases in the right eye and a small choroidal metastasis in the left eye. The patient was scheduled for external irradiation therapy for the ocular area but died 2 months after choroidal metastasis was diagnosed. Conclusions: Choroidal metastasis must be considered in MTC patients who develop loss of vision. This is a very rare clinical situation that generally occurs in the late advanced stages of the disease and carries a poor prognosis for these patients.