Keratitis Metastatic

Metastatic keratitis (k. metastatica) is an inflammation of the cornea caused by hematogenous spread of tumor cells into the cornea from a distant focus of a malignant tumor.

Metastatic keratitis is a rare complication of cancer. The most common metastases to the cornea are breast cancer in women and lung cancer in men. Less common are metastases of melanoma, sarcoma, kidney, stomach and intestinal cancer.

With metastatic keratitis, multiple grayish-white infiltrates of various shapes and sizes appear in the cornea, often with uneven edges. Infiltrates can merge and form plaques. They are located predominantly in the posterior layers of the corneal stroma.

The leading clinical manifestations of metastatic keratitis are decreased vision, pain, lacrimation, and photophobia. It is possible to develop ulcers and perforations of the cornea with subsequent inflammation of the intraocular structures.

The diagnosis of metastatic keratitis is confirmed by oncological history, biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, and histological examination. Treatment is mainly pathogenetic and aimed at relieving inflammation and pain. The prognosis is unfavorable.