[Bilateral retinal microangiopathy in interferon therapy of malignant melanoma of the skin].
BACKGROUND
Interferon associated retinopathy has been described mainly by Japanese working groups as a complication of systemic interferon therapy for various diseases. In Europe, only few reports exist, especially regarding interferon therapy for dermal malignant melanoma.


METHODS
We report a 58-year-old female patient with symptomatic, bilateral microangiopathy caused by interferon for metastatic dermal malignant melanoma. Multiple bilateral cotton wool spots caused visual field defects and unilateral decreased visual acuity. The retinal changes were reversible when stopping interferon therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Interferon-associated microangiopathy occurs as a complication of interferon therapy independently of the treated systemic disease. Rarely, retinopathy becomes symptomatic as reported in this case. Symptoms were fully, clinical signs were partially reversible. A regular ophthalmologic monitoring of all patients receiving interferon therapy is recommended. Monitoring aims to detecting vision-threatening retinal changes in a reversible phase.
Neubauer
A S
AS
Augenklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Mathildenstr. 8, 80336 München. aneubaue@ak-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
Hoops
J P
JP
D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins