Case studyLeptomeningeal metastases presenting exclusively with ocular disturbance in 34 patients: A tertiary care cancer hospital experience

- Suspect leptomeningeal disease in cancer patients with new visual complaints.
- Ocular disturbance may occur in 67% of patients with leptomeningeal disease.
- Vision disturbance is the initial symptom of leptomeningeal disease in 9% of patients.
- Formal ophthalmologic examination is warranted in cancer patients with visual complaints.

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) represents disseminated intracranial metastatic disease that requires early detection and initiation of therapy. Patients with LMD typically present with a variety of neurologic problems, including ocular disturbances. However, little is reported on LMD presenting exclusively with ocular-related disturbances in the absence of any other central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Our goal was to describe the workup for ocular disturbances in the setting of known cancer diagnosis. Retrospective case study utilizing prospectively collected database at a tertiary cancer care center for all patients with diagnosis of LMD between 2001 and 2009. Main outcome was descriptive analysis of ocular findings by primary or admitting service with or without formal ophthalmology exam in workup for LMD. 34 patients demonstrated ocular disturbances without any other CNS manifestations. Our findings demonstrate that 71% of ocular disturbances were detected by the primary admitting services. Formal consultation with ophthalmology resulted in the detection of the remaining cases. The most common findings were cranial nerve deficits, papilledema, and optic disc or retinal infiltration by tumor. These findings supported a further work-up for CNS disease. Therefore, it is appropriate to refer cancer patients with visual complaints or findings on exam to ophthalmology to evaluate for evidence suggestive of LMD that may support a further work-up.