Survival in small choroidal melanocytic lesions with risk factors managed by initial observation until detection of tumour growth.

BACKGROUND: The main objective was to describe metastatic and survival rates in patients with small choroidal melanocytic lesions initially managed by observation. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study of consecutive cases recruited from 2001 through 2018, followed for a median (mean, range) of 81.0 (89.3, 10-204) months in a tertiary referral centre for ocular oncology. Seventy-five consecutive patients diagnosed with small choroidal melanocytic lesions with risk factors for growth initially observed and who showed progression during follow-up. Treatment was performed (plaque radiotherapy or enucleation in 96% and 4% of cases, respectively) at detection of tumour growth. RESULTS: Median (mean, range) tumour thickness was 2.2 (2.23, 1.08-3.40) mm, and median maximum basal diameter was 8.5 (8.16, 4-12) mm. At diagnosis, a median (mean, range) of 5 (5.48, 1-8) risk factors for progression were present. Lesions grew at a median (mean, range) rate of 0.42 mm/y (1.12, 0-7.68) in thickness and 1.05 mm/y (3.14, 0-4.8) in maximum diameter. Median (mean, range) time until growth was 17.00 (32.6, 1-161) months post-diagnosis, at which time tumours were treated. Five patients developed local recurrence after brachytherapy requiring enucleation. Four patients developed hepatic metastasis. Melanoma-specific survival was 98% at 5 years (95% CI, 94.2-100%) and 91.6% (95% CI, 82-100%) at 10 and 15 years. CONCLUSION: In small melanocytic lesions with risk factors for growth, initial observation until detection of tumour growth results in a seemingly low risk of metastasis, suggesting that this may be an initial approach to consider in tumours with indeterminate malignant potential.

Zonisamide-induced Choroidal Effusion: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of zonisamide-induced bilateral choroidal effusion. CASE REPORT: A 72-year-old woman presented with a 4-day history of bilateral blurred vision 9 days after initiating oral zonisamide for essential tremor. Clinical examination revealed an asymmetric choroidal detachment with open anterior chamber angle and intraocular pressure within the normal range. Posterior segment ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy both confirmed the presence of bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion. Zonisamide treatment was discontinued. One month after treatment discontinuation, the ophthalmological examination was normal and no further treatment was needed. CONCLUSION: Zonisamide can cause an idiosyncratic reaction leading to choroidal effusion with or without acute angle closure. Early withdrawal of the causative agent is the key to reversing this condition. These findings indicate that zonisamide and other sulfa-derived drugs must be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of choroidal effusion of unknown cause.