Two cases of primary intraocular lymphoma: Fine needle aspiration diagnosis and intravitreal methotrexate treatment

Summary

We described clinical process of two cases of intraocular lymphoma in aspects of early diagnosis by fine needle aspiration (FNA) and biopsy and treatment by intravitreal methotrexate (MTX). Two patients were suspected to have primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) with geographic yellow-white infiltrates and vitreous opacity. FNA confirmed malignant intraocular lymphoma in one patient and failed in the other patient due to complication of vitreous hemorrhage. Subsequent vitreous biopsy confirmed malignant intraocular lymphoma in the other patient. Both patients were treated by intravitreal methotrexate. In case 1 the tumor had complete remission and follow-up of 12 months had not found any signs of recurrence. In case 2 the patient died of brain metastasis 22 months after the ocular biopsy. Our findings demonstrate that although cytological examination of vitrectomy specimens remains the gold standard in diagnosis of PIOL, examination of FNA and biopsy increases the reliability of early diagnosing or excluding a PIOL. Individualized intravitreal methotrexate can be used to effectively treat PIOL. More effective integrated program treating primary central nervous system lymphoma/PIOL is worthy of looking forward to.