Whole body PET/CT imaging for detection of metastatic choroidal melanoma

Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults. Metastases are most commonly found in the liver and are rapidly fatal despite aggressive therapy. These metastases have been reported in the follow-up to 50 % of uveal melanoma. However, recent reports have shown that liver ultrasonography and liver function tests have low sensitivity in the diagnosis of metastatic uveal melanoma. The study reports on a patient with a history of choroidal melanoma. Preoperative medical evaluation, including CT imaging of the abdomen, complete blood count and liver enzymes proved negative. A PET/CT was requested and showed lesions in the liver and lungs. Whole-body PET/CT revealed melanoma metastases. The PET/CT is a sensitive tool for the detection and localization of hepatic and extrahepatic metastatic choroidal melanoma.