Diagnostic Testing of Primary Vitreo-Retinal Lymphoma
Pages 182-187
A. Bajwa and C. Stephen Foster
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-7229.2013.02.03.9
Published: 31 July 2013

Abstract: Primary Vitreo-Retinal Lymphoma (PVRL) or Primary Intra-Ocular Lymphoma (PIOL) is a rare malignancy often seen as a context of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). This article reviews the diagnostic approach of PVRL.

The techniques for diagnosing PVRL from ocular biopsy specimens includes cytologic analysis, immuno-cytochemistry, flow-cytometry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect V-J Ig gene re-arrangements, and analysis of IL6, IL10 in aqueous or vitreous fluid.

Currently, cytology in combination with immunohistochemistry is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of PVRL. But ancillary tests including IgH, TCR gene rearrangements and cytokine analysis are reliable biomarkers for B and T cell PVRL. Genetic testing with t(14:18) detection may show promising results in future.