Vitreoretinal lymphoma occurring after systemic chemotherapy for primary conjunctival diffuse large B cell lymphoma A case report

Introduction: Ocular adnexal lymphoma and vitreoretinal lymphoma are rare forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They are regarded as distinct disease entities due to the differences in molecular mechanism, management, and outcome. We present a rare case of conjunctival diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that developed to vitreoretinal lymphoma after systemic chemotherapy. Patient concerns: A 60-year-old man presented with a left salmon-colored conjunctival mass. Diagnosis: A biopsy was performed, and histopathologic examination showed DLBCL. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for CD20 with increased kappa to lambda light chain ratio. Interventions: Bone marrow biopsy also revealed DLBCL. Gallium-67 scintigraphy showed abnormal uptake only in the left orbital lesion. Ann Arbor stage was estimated as IV. The patient underwent systemic combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Outcomes: Four months after the last course of chemotherapy, primary conjunctival DLBCL relapsed, manifesting vitreous opacity. Diagnostic vitrectomy confirmed a diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma. Lessons: Conjunctival DLBCL and vitreoretinal lymphoma are both DLBCL. After systemic chemotherapy for conjunctival DLBCL, the lymphoma may relapse in intraocular sites as secondary vitreoretinal lymphoma.