Lymphoma-associated retinopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical, electrophysiologic, and serologic findings in a patient with retinal degeneration associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma.


METHODS
Case report with ancillary immunohistochemical studies.


METHODS
A 24-year-old woman experienced night blindness and fundus abnormalities 1 week after initiation of chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Visual fields and full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) were monitored over a 10-year period. Serum antibodies were studied on Western blot reactions on a solubilized extract of bovine retina. Serum antibodies were also evaluated through indirect immunohistochemistry on rhesus monkey retina.


RESULTS
Visual field and ERG amplitudes, initially abnormal, became reduced further over 10 years. Serum antibodies were identified that reacted to a retinal protein or proteins approximating 65 kd; these antibodies showed immunologic activity against photoreceptors.


CONCLUSIONS
A progressive paraneoplastic retinopathy can occur in association with Hodgkin's lymphoma. The pathogenesis of the retinal degeneration appears to be related to a serum antibody that is reacting to a retinal protein or proteins of approximately 65 kd.
To
King W
KW
Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Thirkill
Charles E
CE
Jakobiec
Frederick A
FA
Lessell
Simmons
S
Berson
Eliot L
EL
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D015153:Blotting, Western; D004596:Electroretinography; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009755:Night Blindness / Q000209:etiology; D010257:Paraneoplastic Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012160:Retina / Q000276:immunology; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014794:Visual Fields
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001323:Autoantibodies; D005136:Eye Proteins; D011241:Prednisone