Choroidal osteoma

Abstract

Background: Choroidal osteoma is a tumour made up of mature bone that was first described by Gass and coworkers in 1978. It is an uncommon juxtapapillary tumour that is unilateral in 75-80% of cases. It is orangey in colour and has clearly defined edges. It is observed in women in their twenties and thirties. Methods: We present a 45-year-old patient with arterial hypertension who visited the ophthalmologist for a thorough eye check-up. The patient was also given fluorescein angiography and an echograph. Results: On routine ophthalmological examination due to arterial hypertension, the 45-year-old patient presented a juxtapapillary lesion in the right eye between the nasal arcades. The lesion was orangey in colour, had clearly defined edges and was 2 DP in size. A satellite lesion was also observed. This lesion, which was similar in appearance, was located at a lower level. The contralateral eye presented no lesion. Visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes and the anterior segment was normal, The fluorescein angiography showed that the pattern of hyperfluorescence was speckled in the first stages and that fluorescence increased progressively in both lesions, The echograph revealed a parapapillary lesion in the right eye. with a posterior acoustic shadow. This lesion was compatible with choroidal calcification. No associated mass or signs of neovascularisation were observed Conclusions: Choroidal osteoma is a rare tumour. Its ophthalmoscopic appearance is quite typical, but diagnosis is confirmed by non-invasive imaging techniques such as ecography, which reveal whether choroidal calcification is present. 2005 © EVRS.