This case report describes the features of a tuberculous subretinal abscess in a non-HIV patient. It includes the characterization of the lesion with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus autofluorescence examination. SD-OCT and autofluorescence imaging showed external retinal involvement during development of the tuberculous subretinal abscess. Patients with tuberculous lesions need a multidisciplinary approach, since the disease may involve any part of the body. In this case in particular, incidental findings at computed tomography scan led to the detection of this rare ocular manifestation of tuberculous disease.
A 58-year-old woman presented with a corneoconjunctival tumor, first diagnosed as a squamous neoplasia. An excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathology revealed signs of MCC, which is a rare malignant tumor of the skin. It can affect the eyelids and is a differential diagnose of recurrent chalazion. The patient had a history of multiple chalazia excision. MCC is known to be highly aggressive and tends to metastasize early to regional lymph nodes. It is believed to originate from Merkel cells, which have not been identified in the conjunctiva or cornea. However, the tumor may originate from integration of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in other epithelial cells. Metastatic compromise of the conjunctiva by this tumor has been reported as well. We herein report a case of both corneal and conjunctival involvement by a previously misdiagnosed MCC. A correct histopathological analysis, including immunohistochemistry techniques oriented by clinical suspicion, is crucial for the diagnosis. Prognosis of this tumor is known to be poor, that is the reason why an accurate diagnosis and an early referral to an oncologist are essential to a successful management of the disease.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.