Cutaneous melanoma-associated retinopathy

Anti-retinal autoantibodies in myopic macular degeneration: a pilot study

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and types of anti-retinal autoantibodies (ARAs) in highly myopic patients and to explore any association between ARAs and the severity of myopic macular degeneration (MMD).

METHODS

This was a clinic-based study of 16 patients with high myopia (spherical equivalent worse than -6 dioptres or axial length (AL) ≥ 26.5 mm) recruited from the High Myopia clinic of the Singapore National Eye Centre. MMD was graded from fundus photographs according to the Meta-analysis for Pathologic Myopia (META-PM) classification. Severe MMD was defined as META-PM category 3 or 4. AL and logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured. Sera were obtained from subjects and analysed for the presence of ARAs with the western blot technique.

RESULTS

The mean AL was significantly longer in patients with severe MMD (n = 8) than those without severe MMD (n = 8) (31.50 vs. 28.51, p = 0.005). There was at least one ARA identified in all patients. The most common ARA was anti-carbonic anhydrase II (anti-CAII), present in nine patients (56.3%). Anti-CAII was detected in more patients with severe MMD than those without (75 vs. 37.5%, p = 0.32). LogMar BCVA was also worse in subjects with anti-CAII (0.5 ± 0.38 vs. 0.22 ± 0.08, p = 0.06). The number of ARAs significantly correlated with increasing AL (r = 0.61, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

ARAs are prevalent in patients with high myopia, and this increases with increasing AL. In particular, anti-CAII antibodies were highly prevalent in patients with severe MMD, suggesting that ARAs may be associated with MMD. Further studies are necessary to confirm these observations in larger cohorts.

[Melanoma-associated vitelliform retinopathy (a clinical case study)]

Melanoma-associated vitelliform retinopathy is a manifestation of paraneoplastic syndrome in skin melanoma. Paraneoplastic syndrome, while not being a tumor or a metastatic disease, is regarded as a tumor-associated disease related to extraocular localization of neoplasm. In this clinical case, the diagnosis of melanoma-associated vitelliform retinopathy was based on a combination of clinical, angiographic, autofluorescence and morphometric signs of bilateral lesion. Analysis of the case showed that in common oncological diseases and complaints of visual impairment, examination of eye fundus is mandatory in order to timely diagnose the changes associated with tumor lesion. Detection of bilateral lesions with oval grey-yellow multiple foci at the level of retinal pigment epithelium may indicate melanoma-associated vitelliform retinopathy that requires diagnostic search for skin melanoma. A complex of instrumental studies including fluorescent angiography, optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence with feature identification allowed establishing the correct diagnosis in the particular case.

Frequency of colour vision deficiencies in melanoma patients: results of a prospective comparative screening study with the Farnsworth panel D 15 test including 300 melanoma patients and 100 healthy controls

Patients with melanoma may experience a variety of different vision symptoms, in part associated with melanoma-associated retinopathy. For several melanoma patients with or without melanoma-associated retinopathy, colour vision deficiencies, especially involving the tritan system, have been reported. The frequency of colour vision deficiencies in a larger cohort of melanoma patients has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of colour vision deficiencies in melanoma patients subject to stage of disease, prognostic factors such as tumour thickness or Clark level, S100-beta and predisposing diseases that may have an impact on colour vision (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma or cataract). Three hundred melanoma patients in different tumour stages and 100 healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls were examined with the saturated Farnsworth panel D 15 test. Seventy out of 300 (23.3%) melanoma patients and 12/100 (12%) controls showed pathologic results in colour testing. This discrepancy was significant (P < 0.016; odds ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval 1.15-4.32). Increasing age was identified as a highly significant (P = 0.0005) risk factor for blue vision deficiency. Adjusting for the age and predisposing diseases, we could show that melanoma was associated with the risk of blue vision deficiency. The frequency of blue vision deficiency in 52/260 melanoma patients without predisposing diseases (20%) compared with 4/78 controls without predisposing diseases (5.1%) differed significantly (odds ratio 4.441; confidence interval 1.54-12.62; P < 0.004). In 260 melanoma patients without predisposing diseases, blue vision deficiency, as graded on a 6-point scale, showed a weak positive correlation (Spearman) with tumour stage (r = 0.147; P < 0.01), tumour thickness (r = 0.10; P = 0.0035), Clark level (r = 0.12; P = 0.04) and a weak negative correlation with time since initial diagnosis (r = -0.11; P = 0.0455). Blue vision deficiency is associated with melanoma, but is only weakly related to stage of disease. Although we saw a positive correlation with well-known prognostic markers, such as tumour thickness and Clark level, blue vision deficiency as assessed by the Farnsworth panel D 15 test in general is inappropriate as a marker of tumour progression. For the use of blue vision deficiency in melanoma patients without predisposing diseases, a diligent test performance and interpretation is very important.

Métastase oculaire d’un mélanome cutané

We report a case of vitreal metastases from cutaneous melanoma. We describe the clinical findings and the histological aspects of the lesions, which allows us to discuss the diagnosis of masquerade syndrome and highlight the diagnostic importance of vitreous biopsy.

Melanoma-associated retinopathy: high frequency of subclinical findings in patients with melanoma

BACKGROUND

Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a paraneoplastic syndrome with symptoms of night blindness, light sensations, visual loss, defect in visual fields, and reduced b-waves in the electroretinogram. Patients with MAR often suffer from a sudden onset of ocular symptoms that are believed to result from antibody production against melanoma-associated antigens that cross-react with corresponding epitopes on retinal depolarizing bipolar cells.

OBJECTIVES

To correlate the frequency of subclinical symptoms suggestive of MAR in melanoma patients to different stages of disease, patient age, type and thickness of the primary tumour, form of therapy, S-100 level and tumour burden.

METHODS

We analysed 28 patients with melanoma in stages I-IV (according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer tumour classification) for the presence of subclinical MAR symptoms using scotopic electroretinography, static and kinetic perimetry and nyctometry.

RESULTS

Seven patients had clinical signs and symptoms consistent with MAR, 18 had some indications, while the remaining three had none. We found no correlation between clinical symptoms and stage of disease, tumour burden or S-100 level, but findings suggestive of MAR were observed more frequently in advanced stages of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical retinal involvement characteristic of MAR appears to be more common than previously suspected in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma. Our findings in this small cohort seem to indicate that the percentage of patients with symptoms suggestive of MAR is higher in advanced stages of disease. Further clinical studies are required to evaluate if the presence of subclinical symptoms suggestive of MAR is correlated with a worse prognosis and a shortened progression-free and overall survival.

Paraneoplastic retinopathies and optic neuropathies

Unusual neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms and signs that go unexplained should warrant a thorough investigation for paraneoplastic syndromes. Although these syndromes are rare, these clinical manifestations can herald an unsuspected, underlying malignancy that could be treated early and aggressively. This point underscores the importance of distinguishing and understanding the various, sometimes subtle, presentations of ocular paraneoplastic syndromes. Outlined in this review article are diagnostic features useful in differentiating cancer-associated retinopathy, melanoma-associated retinopathy, and paraneoplastic optic neuropathy. These must also be distinguished from non-cancer-related eye disorders that may clinically resemble cancer-associated retinopathy. The associated antibodies and histopathology of each syndrome are presented to help in the understanding of these autoimmune phenomena. Treatment outcomes from reported cases are summarized, and some potential novel immunotherapies are also discussed.

Lymphoma-associated retinopathy

OBJECTIVE

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

DESIGN

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.

Electro-oculographic abnormality in eyes with uveal melanoma

PURPOSE

To seek out correlations between preoperative electro-oculogram (EOG) recordings with different types of uveal melanomas, after surgery.

METHODS

We analysed the EOG recordings of 120 patients with uveal melanomas, histologically verified, 100 in the choroid and 20 in the iris and ciliary body. The EOG data were correlated with the site, size and histological type of the tumor.

RESULTS

In 100 eyes with choroidal melanoma the Arden Index (AI) was less than in fellow eyes (mean 126.6, SD +/- 23.8 and 202.9, SD +/- 47.0; p=0.01). The EOG values were not different with respect to the histological type, site and size of tumor. In cases with iris and ciliary body melanomas the AI were not significantly different from the fellow eyes (mean 180.6, SD +/- 23.6 and 203.2, SD +/- 38.7; p=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Since the EOG is abnormal in eyes with choroidal melanoma, it can be considered a powerful auxiliary for diagnosing these tumors.

Non-cancerous ophthalmic clues to non-ocular cancer

This survey reviews selected medical disorders in which the ophthalmologist has a unique opportunity of anticipating the existence of asymptomatic, life-threatening disease simply by recognizing that certain benign conditions involving the eye or adnexa represent clues to occult non-ocular cancer and other neoplasias. Having knowledge that these clues are associated with specific types of neoplasia, the ophthalmologist can then initiate a goal-directed oncologic investigation designed to identify the underlying neoplasm with the hope of providing potentially life-saving therapy. The survey is organized to feature each clue separately. The clinical characteristics of the clue are described and illustrated with color photographs when possible. A discussion reviews associated malignancies and other important medical features. The survey begins with clues expressed anteriorly in the lids, progressively reviewing those clues located more posteriorly, concluding with clues involving the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid.

Clinical and immunologic characteristics of melanoma-associated retinopathy syndrome: eleven new cases and a review of 51 previously published cases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the signs, symptoms, and immune responses of patients with melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the clinical and immunologic findings of 62 MAR syndrome patients. They include 25 patients from our institution (11 not previously reported) and 37 patients reported from other institutions.

RESULTS

There were 33 men and seven women (no gender information is available for the remaining 22 cases). Age at onset of the visual disturbance averaged 57.5 years (range, 30-78). Visual acuity of 20/60 or better was initially present in 82%. Fundus examination was normal in 44%, optic disc pallor was present in 23%, and retinal vessel attenuation was present in 30%. Vitreous cells were present in 30%. The latency from melanoma diagnosis to recognition of MAR syndrome averaged 3.6 years (range, 2 months to 19 years). Seven patients sustained visual improvement with various treatment regimens, especially with intravenous immunoglobulin and cytoreductive surgery (metastasectomy). Indirect immunohistochemical staining of the bipolar layer was typical, but several other retinal elements were also reactive. Tissue from a metastatic melanoma excised from one of the patients expressed antigens that reacted with antiretinal antibodies.

CONCLUSION

MAR syndrome demonstrates diverse clinical and immunologic features. Treatment, especially intravenous immunoglobulin and cytoreductive surgery (metastasectomy), improves vision in some cases.

Melanoma-associated retinopathy: does autoimmunity prolong survival?

PURPOSE

To discuss the autoimmune basis of melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) and its implications for management and prognosis.

METHODS

An unusual history of a woman with melanoma-associated retinopathy is presented in detail. A review of published reports and a summary of 19 reported cases of MAR provide a basis for discussion.

RESULTS

This case report and other published reports highlight a number of points regarding MAR including the male predominance, prolonged survival in several patients and lack of response to immunosuppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Melanoma-associated retinopathy may prolong the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma through the autoimmune response. Therefore, treatment of visual symptoms with immunosuppression needs to be considered carefully.

Pattern electroretinography (PERG) and an integrated approach to visual pathway diagnosis

The pattern electroretinogram (PERG) provides an objective measure of central retinal function, and has become an important element of the author's clinical visual electrophysiological practice. The PERG contains two main components, a positivity at approximately 50ms (P50) and a larger negativity at approximately 95ms (N95). The P50 component is affected by macular dysfunction with concomitant reduction in N95. The PERG therefore complements the Ganzfeld ERG in the assessment of patients with retinal disease. In contrast, the ganglion cell origins of the N95 component allow electrophysiological evaluation of ganglion cell function both in primary disease and in dysfunction secondary to optic nerve disease, where selective loss of N95 can be observed. Both macular dysfunction and optic nerve disease can give abnormalities in the visual evoked cortical potential (VEP), and the PERG thus facilitates more meaningful VEP interpretation. This review addresses the origins and recording of the PERG, and then draws on extensive clinical data from patients with genetically determined retinal and macular dystrophies, other retinal diseases and a variety of optic nerve disorders, to present an integrated approach to diagnosis.

The incidence of negative ERG in clinical practice

INTRODUCTION

A negative electroretinogram (ERG) is one in which there is a selective reduction in amplitude of the b-wave, such that it does not exceed that of the a-wave. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and clinical causes of negative ERGs at a tertiary referral centre. In addition, interesting and previously unreported aetiologies are described.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of all ERGs done at Moorfields Eye Hospital from November 1995 to December 1998 under ISCEV standard conditions. Many patients had photopic ON- and OFF-response recording in addition to conventional ISCEV Standard ganzfeld ERG.

RESULTS

A total of 2,640 ERGs were performed during the study period. 128 cases (4.8%) showed a negative ERG. The causes, where a firm clinical diagnosis was possible, include X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, congenital stationary night blindness, central retinal artery occlusion, birdshot chorioretinopathy and melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR). Unilateral negative ERG waveforms with normal fundal appearances were seen in 7 patients. Photopic ON- responses could be selectively affected.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of negative ERGs over a 34-month period presenting to a large tertiary centre was almost 5%. The presence of a negative ERG may be instrumental in demonstrating the site of visual dysfunction, with many cases showing minimal or no fundus abnormality. ON- and OFF-response recording yielded additional information regarding photopic post-receptoral/phototransduction function.

Node way out

A 47-year-old woman without a history of melanoma experienced visual hallucinations, abnormal visual field, and an ERG suggestive of melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR). A lymph node biopsy showed malignant melanoma. Appropriate evaluation, management, and treatment of MAR is discussed.

Clinical and immunocytochemical findings in a case of melanoma-associated retinopathy

OBJECTIVE

To describe an unusual case of melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR).

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case report and experimental study.

PARTICIPANTS

A 61-year-old man with a history of cutaneous melanoma, acquired bilateral central scotomas, and night blindness.

INTERVENTION

Serial full-field electroretinography (ERG) and Goldmann perimetry were performed. Serum was screened for cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) antibodies by Western blotting. Sections of human and rat retina were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy to determine whether retinal cells were reactive with this patient's serum. A metastatic workup was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Electroretinography, Goldmann visual field testing, and immunocytochemistry were performed.

RESULTS

The results were as follows: (1) The ERG showed a profound loss of the b-wave amplitude and a "negative" b-wave characteristic of congenital stationary night blindness; (2) a central scotoma and peripheral constriction were identified on Goldmann visual field tests; (3) as in other patients with MAR, bipolar cells in human and rat retinas were immunolabeled with this patient's serum; and (4) a previously unsuspected focus of metastatic melanoma was discovered.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of this condition may help to identify an occult focus of metastatic melanoma.

The separation of parallel visual systems by disease processes

AIM

to investigate psychophysics and electrophysiology in disease states with altered retinal function.

METHODS

determination of colour and luminance contrast sensitivity functions using computer controlled VDUs: recording of flash and pattern ERGs to short and long flashes of coloured lights under differing conditions of light adaptation: recording of pattern ERG.

RESULTS

In melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) low spatial frequency temporal flicker loss occurs for achromatic Gaussians, but colour Gaussians are seen normally. Low spatial frequency luminance contrast sensitivity and motion losses are severe while red-green gratings are seen normally. In Cuban Tropical Amblyopia, achromatic luminance contrast sensitivity may be normal, in the presence of considerable losses of colour vision, to spatial frequencies as high as 32 c/degree. There are supernormal cone ERGs.

CONCLUSIONS

these 2 conditions represent highly selective loss of 'M' and 'P' pathways respectively. Almost the entire 'bell shaped curve' normally represents M activity. In CTA, there may be a selective loss of the receptive field surrounds of P ganglion cells.

[Mechanisms of tumor escape from immunologic response]

INTRODUCTION

The rationale for immune control of cancer is now better defined via the immunovirology of transforming viruses, definition of human tumor antigens recognized by T-lymphocytes, and cellular and humoral components of the anticancer response. Nonetheless tumors can escape from immune surveillance. To better define immunomodulation strategies, we describe some of the various strategies developed by transformed cells to evade the immune response.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

Both the lack of specific tumor antigen and down-regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule expression hamper recognition of neoplastic cells by T-lymphocytes. In presence of defective expression of ligands for the T-cell co-stimulatory receptors, tumor recognition may lead to the development of tolerance instead of specific cytotoxic activity. Tumor cell counter-attack against effector T-cells has also been described, using either inhibitory cytokines (IL-10), apoptosis induction (via Fas signalling), functional inactivation (disruption of normal CD40/CD40 ligand interactions), or induction of anergy.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS

Despite the many different mechanisms of tumor escape, the immune system has developed efficient counter-attacks. For instance, natural killer cells may detect and destroy tumor cells that lack class 1 MHC molecules and thus escape from specific T-lymphocyte cytolysis. Moreover, immunogenicity can be restored, at least in vitro, by different means such as tumor cell stimulation by cytokines or CD40, suggesting that therapeutic strategies will soon be developed in order to stimulate an efficient antitumoral immune response.

Paraneoplastic retinopathy associated with metastatic cutaneous melanoma of unknown primary site

PURPOSE

To describe further the clinical and immunological features of cutaneous melanoma-associated retinopathy, which is an infrequent form of paraneoplastic syndrome.

METHODS

We studied the salient clinical and immunological aspects of a 66-year-old man with metastatic cutaneous melanoma to lymph nodes of unknown primary site who developed melanoma-associated retinopathy.

RESULTS

There was gradual loss of vision in the left eye. Colour vision and night vision were not affected. Visual fields showed arcuate defects. A full-field electroretinogram demonstrated attenuation of the b-wave amplitude in the left eye. The a-wave was intact. Indirect immunofluorescence techniques showed that the antibody reactions took place mainly in the outer plexiform layer of the retina.

CONCLUSIONS

Bipolar cells seem to be the target in melanoma-associated retinopathy. Contrary to previous reports, night blindness may not be a universal finding.

Neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes

Several neurologic paraneoplastic disorders are believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction against antigen(s) co-expressed by tumour cells and neurons. Of the paraneoplastic syndromes, the evidence for an autoimmune etiology is strongest for the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, in which autoantibodies downregulate voltage-gated calcium channels at the presynaptic nerve terminal. For other syndromes, including cerebellar degeneration, multifocal encephalomyelitis, sensory neuronopathy, limbic encephalitis, opsoclonus-myoclonus, stiff person syndrome, and retinal degeneration, the autoimmune theory is supported by the presence of specific antineuronal antibodies. These antibodies serve as a useful diagnostic tool, but their actual role in causing neuronal injury and clinical disease remains unclear. Further understanding of immunopathogenesis awaits successful experimental models. Among different syndromes, a varied proportion of patients shows neurologic improvement with immunosuppressive treatments; it is likely that many patients have already suffered irreversible neuronal injury at the time of diagnosis.

Selective magnocellular damage in melanoma-associated retinopathy: comparison with congenital stationary nightblindness

Psychophysical methods for isolating and evaluating the function of specific neural pathways are used to characterize the visual losses in patients with melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR). These are compared with those of congenital stationary nightblindness (CSNB), a condition which displays a similar grossly abnormal ERG and loss of rod function. In MAR patients achromatic contrast sensitivity was greatly reduced in the low spatial frequency range. Stimuli chosen to isolate the magnocellular pathway were seen badly, whereas stimuli signalled primarily by the midget of the parvocellular pathway (isoluminant red/green or achromatic high spatial frequencies) were seen normally. This selective loss was not found in patients with CSNB. In MAR there is a selective loss of function subserved by magnocellular cells coupled with preservation of function subserved by the midget type 1 parvocellular cells.

Acquired unilateral night blindness associated with a negative electroretinogram waveform

PURPOSE

The authors performed clinical, electrophysiologic, psychophysical, and immunologic studies in a patient who presented with an acquired night blindness in one eye to better define the clinical and functional changes in this rare disorder.

METHODS

In addition to an ophthalmologic examination, the patient underwent the measurement of electroretinogram responses, dark-adapted thresholds using a Tübingen perimeter (Oculus, Tubingen, Germany), color vision assessment, kinetic visual-field testing using a Goldman perimeter, and immunologic testing to determine if the serum contained autoantibodies to retinal bipolar cells.

RESULTS

Fundus examination showed no clinically apparent abnormality in either eye. The patient showed a selective reduction in the b-wave amplitude of the rod electroretinogram and an abnormality of the cone electroretinogram ON response in the affected left eye, whereas the rod and cone electroretinograms of the right eye were normal. Rod thresholds in the affected eye were elevated markedly, whereas rod thresholds in the right eye were normal centrally and slightly elevated in the far periphery. Immunologic testing did not show circulating autoantibodies to retinal cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The patient examined in this study showed phenotypic similarities to patients with congenital stationary night blindness and to patients with an acquired form of night blindness associated with cutaneous melanoma (MAR syndrome). The electroretinogram findings from the patient are consistent with an acquired defect in signal transmission from photoreceptors to ON-type bipolar cells. However, the etiology of this unique form of unilateral night blindness remains obscure.

Severe course of cutaneous melanoma associated paraneoplastic retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Melanoma associated retinopathy (MAR) is a paraneoplastic syndrome in metastatic cutaneous melanoma presenting with nightblindness, light sensations, mild visual loss, and reduced b-waves in the electroretinogram (ERG).

METHODS

A patient with MAR was followed for a period of 25 months with repeated examinations including visual field testing and recording of standard electro-oculography, standard ERG, and photopic On and Off responses.

RESULTS

A male patient with a very severe course of MAR is described. In addition to the clinical signs seen in previous patients, severe visual deterioration and vitreous inflammation were the predominant signs. The vitreous inflammation resolved after systemic corticosteroid therapy. Nightblindness and the reduced b-waves in the ERG remained unchanged during the follow up period. However, further visual deterioration and paracentral scotomas developed. Dark adaptation was markedly abnormal. Photopic On responses were reduced, but Off responses were preserved. Antibodies against retinal bipolar cells were isolated from blood samples of this patient.

CONCLUSION

Vitreous inflammation may mask the diagnosis of MAR. ERG findings indicate that the more severe and progressive course is the result of local retinal changes and not progressive generalised retinal degeneration.