Choroidal hemangioma and the challenge of differential diagnosis

Abstract Choroidal hemangioma is a fairly rare benign vascular tumor that can manifest in either circumscribed or diffuse type; the latter one is usually related to Sturge-Weber Syndrome. The circumscribed tumors have an insidious presentation and diagnosis is commonly made after the onset of secondary symptoms. Serious and potentially lethal lesions, such as choroidal melanoma and metastatic disease, may represent a differential diagnosis. In this report, we describe an advanced case of nodular hemangioma associated with hemorrhagic retinal detachment. This case highlights the challenge of differential diagnosis in intraocular tumors, due to their similar clinical and radiologic features.