Melanoma-associated paraneoplastic retinopathy: case report and review of the literature

Br J Dermatol. 1997 Sep;137(3):457-60.

Abstract

A 51-year-old white male suffering from metastatic malignant melanoma of the skin presented with lymph node metastases and paraneoplastic retinopathy 4 years after resection of the primary tumour. There were no cerebral metastases. Ocular symptoms consisting of night blindness and sensations of 'shimmering lights' persisted after total resection of the inguinal lymph node metastases and administration of dacarbazine and prednisone. Perimetry of both eyes was abnormal with concentric restriction. Electroretinography showed significantly reduced amplitudes in both eyes. Only 11 patients with melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) have been described. High titres of autoantibodies against whole retina extract were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reactions. Indirect immunohistochemistry showed strong autoantibody activity against retinal bipolar cells.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / analysis
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / complications*
  • Melanoma / secondary
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / etiology*
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / immunology
  • Retina / immunology
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Retinal Diseases / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies