Bronchial carcinoid – a rare neoplasm metastasing to choroid

Purpose
To present a clinical picture and results of treatment in two patients with bronchial carcinoid metastases to choroid.

Material and methods
Two females aged 47 and 56 with bilateral and multiple metastases of bronchial carcinoid were enrolled in this study. Choroidal metastases occurred 6-7 years after primary tumors had been diagnosed. The follow-up period ranged from 2.5 to 5 years. In one patient teleradiotherapy of choroidal metastases was performed, while in a second case plaque therapy with 106 Ru and 125 I and a diode laser therapy were used.

Results
: After therapy, one patient demonstrated partial regression of two choroidal metastases and total regression of one tumor, while the second one, showed total regression of all intraocular tumors. One patient developed irradiation neuropathy and retinopathy as a result of teleradiotherapy, which were the main cause of decreased visual acuity in her one eye.

Conclusions
Regarding the good prognosis and potentially long survival of patients with bronchial carcinoid, prompt treatment of choroidal metastases is recommended. Applied method of therapy depends on tumor size, its localization and patient’s general condition.