Purpose: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a neoplastic process of the lymphatic system in which tumors develop from lymphocytes. The absence of Reed-Sternberg cells differentiates NHL from Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Mantle cell lymphoma is a mature B-cell NHL, typically with an aggressive course. Manifestations of intraocular mantle cell lymphoma include anterior uveitis, morphologic changes to the uvea, vitritis, intraocular masses, as well as subretinal or choroidal infiltrates.
Case report: A 71-year-old white man with known mantle cell lymphoma presents with recent-onset blurred vision in the left eye resulting from an atypical anterior chamber cellular reaction. Iris examination reveals topographic and morphologic atypia suggestive of neoplasia. He subsequently developed posterior cervical lymph node involvement indicating recurrence of his mantle cell lymphoma. He was restarted on chemotherapy and radiation. The iris and anterior chamber reaction responded to systemic oncological therapy.
Conclusions: Mantle cell lymphoma may present with ocular manifestations such as an anterior chamber cellular reaction and morphologic changes to the uvea. This case stresses the importance of seeking an etiology in any secondary or atypical uveitis.