Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of nasal type with intraocular involvement: case report

Abstract

PURPOSE. To report an unusual presentation of disseminated, intraocular, extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NK/T-cell lymphoma), originating from nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma. METHODS. Case report. RESULTS. A 63-year-old woman who had been treated with systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy for NK/T-cell lymphoma in the nasal cavity presented with vitreous haze of the right eye. Despite anti-inflammatory therapy, the right eye showed poor clinical response and received diagnostic vitrectomy. The vitreous opacity resembled a thin sheet, with no sign of subretinal infiltrate or vascular sheathing. The vitreous specimen contained many large, pleomorphic lymphoma cells. The malignant cells were positive for CD3, CD8, and granzyme B. Systemic workups showed no involvement of other organs. A diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma in the vitreous was made; the tumor likely originated from nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma. The patient was treated with intrathecal chemotherapy and intravitreal methotrexate injection. The eye was clinically clear of malignant cells after the injections. CONCLUSIONS. Vitreous infiltration without uveoretinal involvement can be an unusual manifestation of intraocular NK/T-cell lymphoma. Clinician awareness of possible ocular involvement may assist in the diagnosis of disseminated NK/T-cell lymphoma. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2010; 20: 215-7)