Whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT revealing extensive multi-organ dissemination of choroidal melanoma: a case report

Abstract

Background:Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults and it is associated with a high risk of systemic dissemination. Accurate staging is essential for therapeutic planning and prognostic evaluation. 18F-FDG PET/CT enables whole-body metabolic evaluation and may detect clinically occult metastases. Methods:We report the case of a 45-year-old male with known choroidal melanoma and suspected mediastinal lymphadenopathy, referred for staging by [18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT). Result:The examination revealed multiple hypermetabolic lesions involving intraorbital structures, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, adrenal gland, bone, and subcutaneous tissue, consistent with extensive metastatic dissemination. Findings were consistent with disseminated metastatic disease. Conclusion:This case highlights the clinical value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the staging of choroidal melanoma by identifying multisystem involvement and guiding therapeutic strategy.