Clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium causing paraneoplastic retinopathy: case report and review of the literature

Case Rep Obstet Gynecol. 2011:2011:631929. doi: 10.1155/2011/631929. Epub 2011 Jul 28.

Abstract

We reviewed the literature for cases in which gynecologic malignancies caused paraneoplastic retinopathy and ultimately led to blindness. Twenty-eight cases were derived from the literature, and one unique case is described from our institution. Of these 28 cases, 14 patients were diagnosed with endometrial cancer, 7 with ovarian cancer, 5 with cervical cancer, 1 fallopian tube cancer and 1 with concomitant endometrial and ovarian cancers. The average age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 64 years (range, 35-89 years). Typically, ocular manifestations antedate symptoms of the underlying carcinoma by 3-12 months. Information regarding the interval from visual symptoms to time of death is limited, but ranges from several months to several years. Our report is the first to document a clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium causing paraneoplastic retinopathy and is the first to review all gynecologic malignancies associated with visual paraneoplastic syndromes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports