Tumor detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium in ocular/ central nervous system lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Ocular/central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a B-lymphocyte-derived tumor that characteristically involves the retina, optic nerve head, vitreous, and subretinal pigment epithelial areas of the eye. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of clinical history and photography fluorescein angiography, histopathology, and immunocytochemistry of an untreated patient with ocular/CNS lymphoma was performed. RESULTS: Tumor detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) evolved into areas of RPE atrophy and depigmentation and disciform scars. Histopathologic studies disclosed foci of tumor cells in the wall of and around blood vessels and between the RPE and Bruch's membrane. Immunocytochemistry identified the malignant cells as B-lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The clinicopathologic features of a patient with ocular/CNS B-cell lymphoma are presented. Retinal pigment epithelium tumor detachments evolved to areas of RPE atrophy and depigmentation and disciform scars.