From eye to diagnosis: Imaging as a key tool in pediatric choroidal melanoma

Abstract

Uveal melanomas, particularly those involving the choroid, represent the most common form of intraocular malignancy in adults, yet they are extremely rare in the pediatric population. This report details the case of a 3-year-old male patient diagnosed with mixed choroidal melanoma, a highly unusual finding in this age group. The patient initially presented with peripheral ocular redness without other associated symptoms. A series of imaging studies, including ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PET-MRI, were instrumental in staging the disease. Advanced imaging modalities, alongside personalized diagnostic strategies, are crucial for characterizing the tumor and ensuring comprehensive patient care. This case highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach between ophthalmologists and radiologists for the early detection and management of ocular neoplasms.