Auto-immune-like cone dystrophy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe rapid loss of cone vision in an adult due to putative auto-immune rejection.


METHODS
Clinical and electrophysiological examination, including full-field and multi-focal electroretinograms (ERGs), were used to assess retinal function. Serum was analyzed for antibodies to retinal antigens.


RESULTS
The patient lost cone vision in the course of several months while rod vision remained unaffected. Initially short wavelength (S) cone function appeared more resistant to the degeneration. Cancer associated retinal antibodies were present in the sera of the patient but no cancer has been found.


CONCLUSIONS
Rapid loss of cone function can occur in an adult without a concomitant neoplasm although serum antibodies to retinal antigens suggest an autoimmune cause.
Hargitai
János
J
Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, USA.
MacKay
Cynthia
C
Behrens
Myles
M
Odel
Jeffrey G
JG
Hood
Donald C
DC
Gouras
Peter
P
D000368:Aged; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D004596:Electroretinography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008970:Molecular Weight; D017949:Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014792:Visual Acuity
D001323:Autoantibodies; D001324:Autoantigens