Retinal findings in melanoma-associated retinopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To report unusual fundus findings in two cases of melanoma-associated retinopathy.


METHODS
Observational case reports. The histories of two patients with melanoma-associated retinopathy were reviewed. Sera from both patients were examined for antibodies against retinal bipolar cells. Immunofluorescence was performed on cryostat sections of unfixed normal human retinas. Sera and IgG from both patients were tested against a known melanoma-associated retinopathy patient as well as a control subject.


RESULTS
Our patients had metastatic, cutaneous melanoma and a clinical syndrome consistent with melanoma-associated retinopathy. Both patients had serum antibodies that were reactive against retinal bipolar cells. They had unusual fundus changes not previously described in association with melanoma-associated retinopathy. One patient also developed vitiligo.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma and melanoma-associated retinopathy may present unusual fundus lesions that may be caused by autoimmunity which is part of the clinical picture of melanoma-associated retinopathy or metastatic melanoma.
Borkowski
L M
LM
Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Grover
S
S
Fishman
G A
GA
Jampol
L M
LM
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D004596:Electroretinography; D005260:Female; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D007395:Interneurons / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010257:Paraneoplastic Syndromes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D014792:Visual Acuity
D001323:Autoantibodies