Ocular manifestations of systemic malignancies

Retinochoroidal findings and lung cancer: first report in mexican population

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer (LC) is the most common tumour, and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although cases of choroidal metastasis and cancer-associated retinopathy have been reported in LC, no studies have been conducted on the Mexican population to describe retinochoroidal findings during the course of LC, and the relationship with its stage.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patients with a diagnosis of LC, and to describe the posterior segment findings in relationship to the stage of LC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted on 50 patients with LC (100 eyes). The demographic data included age, gender, histological type, evolution time, stage, treatment, and comorbidities. The measurement variables included visual acuity (LogMAR), anterior segment biomicroscopy, retinal photography, fluorescein retinal angiography, optical coherence tomography, and electroretinogram. All patients were evaluated by two ophthalmologists.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 26 men and 24 women, with a mean age of 65 years, and a mean time from LC diagnosis of 6 months. The principal histological type was adenocarcinoma (70%), and most (50%) were in stage II at the time of evaluation, with 15 (30%) patients having a metastasis (stage IV). The changes in the posterior segment included choroidal metastasis (16%), retinal metastasis (10%), cancer-associated retinopathy (6%), and vascular occlusions (4%). The majority of patients who presented with posterior segment alterations were in stage IV.

CONCLUSIONS

Vascular occlusions, cancer-associated retinopathy, choroidal and retinal metastases may be found in LC, with an incidence higher than that reported in the literature, especially in advanced stages of LC, although they can be found from stage II in asymptomatic patients.

Ophthalmological changes of the posterior segment in patients with testicular cancer in a mixed-race population of the General Hospital of Mexico

INTRODUCTION

The curing of a testicular tumour is currently feasible in more than 95% of patients, and in 80% of those with metastases. Until now, there has been no study or series of cases that describe the ocular changes of the posterior segment associated with testicular cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patients with a diagnosis of testicular cancer in order to determine the presence of changes in the posterior segment and the relationship to the stage.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

An observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted on 21 male patients (42 eyes) with a diagnosis of testicular cancer. Age, histological type, time of evolution, stage, treatment, and comorbidities were recorded, as well as visual acuity measurement (LogMAR), biomicroscopy of the anterior segment, and photographic records of the posterior pole and peripheral retina.

RESULTS

The mean age was 29 years (18-43 years). All (100%) of the patients were treated surgically. The most frequent histological type was classic seminoma (42.8%), followed by the mixed germinal tumour (38.0%). At the time of evaluation, 42.8% of patients had a stage II, and 23.8% had distant metastasis. The changes in the posterior segment were: vascular tortuosity (14.2%), retinopathy associated with cancer (9.5%), choroidal metastasis (9.5%), pigmentary changes of the retinal pigment epithelium (9.5%), and retinal metastasis (4.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to find changes at the level of retinal pigment epithelium, as well as vascular tortuosity, retinopathy associated with cancer, and choroidal and/or retina metastases.

Ophthalmic manifestations of systemic diseases--part 1: phakomatoses, hematologic malignancies, metastases, and histiocytosis

The orbit can be secondarily involved in various systemic conditions. The ophthalmic involvement is often the first clue to the presence of an underlying systemic condition. The ophthalmic involvement in systemic diseases can be either ocular or extraocular. The extent of involvement can be well delineated by imaging modalities like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In the first part of the article, we provide an overview of systemic diseases affecting the orbit, briefly discuss the modalities for orbital imaging, and discuss the imaging appearances of ophthalmic involvement in (1) phakomatoses, (2) hematologic malignancies, (3) metastases, and (4) histiocytosis. At the end of the 2-part article, we discuss a pattern-based approach and differential diagnosis of orbital lesions in systemic diseases.

Acute exudative paraneoplastic polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy in five cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical features, course, and outcome of patients with acute exudative paraneoplastic polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPPVM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective case series of 5 patients.

RESULTS

There were 3 males and 2 females, with a median age of 74 years. The primary neoplasms were cutaneous melanoma (n = 2), choroidal melanoma (n = 1), lung adenocarcinoma (n = 1), and lung plus breast adenocarcinoma (n = 1). The mean interval between the diagnosis of the primary neoplasm and the diagnosis of AEPPVM was 42 months. The presenting symptom was blurred vision in all cases. Ophthalmoscopy disclosed multifocal localized shallow serous detachments of the post-equatorial neurosensory retina with yellow-white subretinal debris confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). There was a mean of 21 individual sites of detachment per eye, each measuring a mean of approximately 0.8 millimeter in diameter. Fundus autofluorescence depicted hyperautofluorescence corresponding to the detachments. After mean follow-up of 5 months, three patients had died of metastases. Of the two survivors, one showed resolution of lesions and the other was unchanged.

CONCLUSION

AEPPVM is a paraneoplastic retinopathy found in patients with metastatic melanoma or carcinoma. The most salient feature is reduced visual acuity from multifocal shallow retinal detachments less than 1-mm diameter, best depicted on OCT.

Hyperautofluorescent ring in autoimmune retinopathy

PURPOSE

To report the presence of a hyperautofluorescent ring and corresponding spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features seen in patients with autoimmune retinopathy.

METHODS

All eyes were evaluated by funduscopic examination, full-field electroretinography, fundus autofluorescence, and SD-OCT. Further confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained with immunoblot and immunohistochemistry testing of the patient's serum. Humphrey visual fields and microperimetry were also performed.

RESULTS

Funduscopic examination showed atrophic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) associated with retinal artery narrowing but without pigment deposits. The scotopic and photopic full-field electroretinograms were nondetectable in three patients and showed a cone-rod pattern of dysfunction in one patient. Fundus autofluorescence revealed a hyperautofluorescent ring in the parafoveal region, and the corresponding SD-OCT demonstrated loss of the photoreceptor inner segment-outer segment junction with thinning of the outer nuclear layer from the region of the hyperautofluorescent ring toward the retinal periphery. The retinal layers were generally intact within the hyperautofluorescent ring, although the inner segment-outer segment junction was disrupted, and the outer nuclear layer and photoreceptor outer segment layer were thinned.

CONCLUSION

This case series revealed the structure of the hyperautofluorescent ring in autoimmune retinopathy using SD-OCT. Fundus autofluorescence and SD-OCT may aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune retinopathy and may serve as a tool to monitor its progression.

Whole-body 18F FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography evaluation of patients with uveal metastasis

PURPOSE

To investigate the value of whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) as a screening tool for patients with uveal metastasis.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

METHODS

setting: Clinical practice. study population: Eighteen patients with uveal metastatic tumors were evaluated. Patients had no history of malignancy or a past medical history of malignancy without known active metastasis or known systemic cancer. intervention: Whole-body PET/CT was used as a screening tool to evaluate the intraocular tumor, to evaluate for multi-organ metastatic disease, and for cancer staging. main outcome measures: Detection and PET/CT uptake of primary tumors and metastatic disease.

RESULTS

PET/CT imaging uncovered previously occult primary nonocular cancers (11/18, 61%), revealed progression of known primary systemic cancer (7/18, 39%), and confirmed multi-organ metastases in all cases (18/18, 100%). PET/CT findings were used to direct nonocular, confirmatory biopsy in 67% of cases (12/18). No uveal biopsies were required. PET/CT revealed lymph nodes and bone as the most common metastatic sites. The intraocular tumor was detectable in 28% of cases. Small, non-avid tumors and those within the hypermetabolic, PET-avid brain were falsely negative.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that whole-body PET/CT can be useful for clinical evaluation of patients with uveal metastases. It allowed for screening of the entire body and directed extraocular biopsy. Commonly used for tumor staging, PET/CT aided in the detection of the primary cancer in patients with metastatic uveal tumors.

Head and neck manifestations of distant carcinomas

Metastatic tumors to the head and neck from distant carcinomas are rare lesions that epitomize the "zebras." They represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians and health providers. These lesions usually rank low in the differential diagnosis list, but a history of cancer should prompt clinicians about the possibility of a metastatic lesion from a distant carcinoma. The presence of these lesions usually represents a poor prognosis. The surgeon's role in treating these lesions is to improve or maintain the patient's quality of life, taking into consideration the overall prognosis.

Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) with electronegative ERG: a case report

Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) should be suspected in patients who present with visual symptoms such as rapid unexplained visual loss and seeing shimmering lights, with an abnormal ERG. Electronegative ERG responses are not exclusive to melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) but may be seen in CAR as well. We describe a patient with CAR who presented with an electronegative ERG. A 67-year old woman, who presented with complaints of seeing shimmering lights, underwent an extensive ophthalmological and electrophysiological examination. Best-corrected visual acuity was 7/10 in the right and 9/10 in the left eye. Goldmann visual fields showed relative central scotomata and concentric narrowing. Slit-lamp and fundus examination were normal as was fluorescein angiography. Rod-specific ERG responses were severely reduced, with electronegative maximal combined rod-cone responses and delayed cone-responses with normal amplitudes. Melanoma-associated retinopathy was suspected. Extensive dermatological and internal evaluation eventually revealed an oat-cell carcinoma in the right lung. The patient died of pneumonia 2 years after presentation.

Cancer associated retinopathy (CAR): An autoimmune-mediated paraneoplastic syndrome

Cancer associated retinopathy (CAR) is an uncommon paraneoplastic retinopathy in which antibodies are directed against retinal antigens. Vision loss is associated with abnormal ERG findings. Few case reports and lack of controlled clinical trials make management of this syndrome especially challenging for the clinician. Herein, we describe the clinical, histopathologic and electrophysiologic features of CAR, along with a summary of previously employed management options. Cancer associated retinopathy syndrome has been recognized as a paraneoplastic disorder, most commonly associated with small cell lung cancer, in which cross-reacting autoantibodies against retinal antigen cause retinal dysfunction. Bilateral vision loss as a result of both rod and cone dysfunction in CAR may occur over a period of months, and visual symptoms may precede diagnosis of the systemic malignancy. The heterogeneity in antigens that have been identified as targets of antibody-mediated retinal damage perhaps help to explain the complexity of symptoms and the treatment challenges posed by patients with CAR.

The kidney, cancer, and the eye: current concepts

Herein, we review the associations between the kidney, renal cancers, and the eye. Renal cancers have been reported to metastasize to the eye and the orbit. As these tumors can be confused with other amelanotic or vascular tumors, a high index of suspicion is required for early detection and management of the primary tumor. We discuss the physiology of metastases, clinical features and management of metastatic disease. A variety of ocular anomalies have been associated with renal disease. Wilms tumor, a renal tumor of childhood, can present with aniridia, which may be the first clue leading to the diagnosis of the primary tumor. Paraneoplastic syndromes are common manifestations of renal cancers and can present as retinopathies and neuro-ophthalmic disorders. Multiple cancer syndromes involve both the eye and the kidney. For example, the diagnosis of von Hippel retinal tumors can lead to a systemic evaluation and discovery of associated visceral tumors. The prognosis, screening, and counseling of such patients is discussed. Newer systemic treatments available for renal tumors, such as interferon alfa, may lead to ocular side effects including retinopathy. These patients require periodic ophthalmic examinations. This review demonstrates the essential role of the ophthalmologist, for early diagnosis and treatment that can help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with kidney tumors and renal-associated disease.

Bilateral tonic pupils with evidence of anti-hu antibodies as a paraneoplastic manifestation of small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Ophthalmological manifestations of systemic malignancies can be either direct, metastatic or paraneoplastic. The latter are remote effects of carcinoma, often caused by autoantibodies. Ophthalmological manifestations include cancer-associated retinopathy, melanoma-associated retinopathy, opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome or motility disorders due to effects on the neurological system. A unilateral tonic pupil is usually a benign finding but has also been described in the context of paraneoplastic syndromes, in some cases associated with anti-Hu antibodies.

CASE REPORTS

The authors describe 2 patients with bilateral symptomatic tonic pupils due to a paraneoplastic syndrome. Both patients had been treated for small cell lung cancer and had evidence of anti-Hu antibodies (autoantibodies against nuclei of neural cells) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Both had typical pupillary findings and hypersensitivity to diluted pilocarpine. The first patient also had sensory neuronopathy, the second affection of several cranial nerves.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, to date no case of bilateral tonic pupils has been published due to a paraneoplastic disorder with evidence of autoantibodies. This is surprising, as it is probable that autoantibodies in paraneoplastic disorders affect both ciliary ganglions in a similar way.

Melanoma-associated retinopathy and recurrent exudative retinal detachments in a patient with choroidal melanoma

PURPOSE

To report a patient who presented with photopsias, night blindness, exudative retinal detachments, and melanoma-associated retinopathy in her right eye 23 years after the left eye was enucleated for a choroidal melanoma.

METHODS

Assessment of fundus findings, fluorescein angiograms, and electroretinograms.

RESULTS

The patient had recurrent exudative detachments of the macula in her right eye and electroretinogram responses consistent with the diagnosis of melanoma-associated retinopathy. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan was negative, but 13 months later, CT scanning revealed many masses in her liver. Fine-needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report of melanoma-associated retinopathy in a patient with a previous choroidal melanoma.