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Submitted: 2024-11-28
DOI: 10.35119/myjo.v8i1.437
Case Reports
Published: 2026-01-22

Phthisis with a threat: imaging and histopathology of a ciliary body adenocarcinoma: Extraordinary phthisis

Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia; Department of Ophthalmology, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Department of Ophthalmology, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
adenocarcinoma ciliary body exenteration ocular malignancy phthisical eye

Abstract

Background: Adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy derived from the pigmented or non-pigmented epithelium of the ciliary body and/or iris.

Case presentation: A 35-year-old male with childhood left eye (LE) blindness developed throbbing pain and redness of LE for a few months. On examination, the LE showed conjunctival injection, chemosis, opaque cornea, and raised intraocular pressure. Computed tomography (CT) revealed LE phthisis bulbi and orbital cellulitis. Histopathology indicated a malignant epithelial tumour, likely adenocarcinoma of the ciliary body, with positive pancytokeratin immunohistochemistry. Contrast-enhanced CT showed an ocular mass without distant metastasis. Four months later, magnetic resonance imaging revealed residual tumour with local infiltration. The patient underwent exenteration and recovered well with a prosthesis.

Conclusion: A high index of suspicion for malignancy, along with appropriate laboratory tests, histopathological evaluation, imaging, and surgical intervention are essential to alleviate symptoms and preserve life.