Ocular manifestations of meningeal carcinomatosis: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Meningeal carcinomatosis (MC) is a devastating and frequently fatal complication of cancer, affecting approximately 5% of patients with systemic malignancies. The disease is characterized by diffuse infiltration of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid by metastatic tumor cells. The disease affects all levels of the central nervous system, with the most common symptoms of the disease being headache, change in mental status, diplopia, hearing loss, facial numbness, and vision loss. Ocular or visual symptoms have been reported in 91% of patients with MC and may progress to total blindness. CASE REPORT: This report presents a case of MC with multiple ocular manifestations and a review of the literature regarding diagnosis and treatment of the disease. CONCLUSION: Eye care professionals can play a critical role in directing care and achieving an early diagnosis of MC and should be educated about this rare condition. Optometry 2011;82:408-412