Nodular posterior scleritis mimicking melanotic choroidal melanoma: A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Purpose To report a case of atypical nodular posterior scleritis mimicking as a melanotic choroidal melanoma. Methods Descriptive case report. Results A 38-year-old female presented with sudden onset diminution of vision, severe pain and redness in her right eye. She was diagnosed to have choroidal melanoma in her left eye one year ago and underwent enucleation. On examination, conjunctiva was injected in right eye with cells in anterior vitreous face (AVF). Fundus examination revealed a large pigmented choroidal mass temporal to macula with exudative retinal detachment. Systemic evaluation and multimodal imaging ruled out the possibility of a choroidal melanoma or metastasis, with a presumptive diagnosis of nodular posterior scleritis. Three cycles of intravenous methyl prednisolone (IVMP) with a tapering dose of oral corticosteroids showed drastic improvement in symptoms with resolution of choroidal mass – further confirming the diagnosis. Conclusions In cases of choroidal mass with an inflammatory component, a trial of steroids is worthwhile to prevent clinical misjudgement and devastating treatment outcomes including enucleation.