OCULAR NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA - A CLINICAL-STUDY OF 9 CASES

Background-Primary oculocerebral large cell malignant non-Hodgkin's ly mphoma, formerly called ocular reticulum cell sarcoma, runs a uniforml y fatal course. Once the central nervous system (CNS) is involved, sur vival without treatment is very limited. Although treatment does not s ubstantially improve the long term survival, it provides short term im provement in these patients. Methods-The charts of all patients with o cular involvement of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma followed during the period 1984-93 were reviewed. The diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was ma de by different diagnostic approaches: CNS biopsy, anterior chamber ta p, vitrectomy, haematology, and necropsy. Results-Eight patients had o culocerebral large cell and one had small cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Five patients with pure ocular localisation had initially received st eroid treatment for intermediate uveitis. First diagnosis was made on CNS biopsy in three, anterior chamber tap in one, vitreous aspirate in three, haematology in one, and necropsy in one case. Conclusion-Ocula r non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a difficult diagnosis. Vitrectomy allows c ytological diagnosis in most but not all cases. When no treatment is g iven, patients survive for only a few weeks once the CNS is involved. Although the disease is eventually fatal, treatment by means of radiot herapy, steroid administration, and vitrectomy can allow these patient s to lead a normal professional and social life during the years betwe en recurrences.