Localized retinal manifestations of paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy

Systemic neoplastic processes can affect the retina through autoimmune retinopathy. This process may present in a variety of patterns. A novel pattern of paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy has been described.

Two patients presented with paraneoplastic vision changes. Optical coherence tomography and multifocal electroretinography were performed, which showed a unique focal retinal change in both patients. Case 1 is a 20-year-old woman with history of cutaneous melanoma. Case 2 is 67-year-old woman with history of breast cancer.

Both patients showed a localized area of foveal thinning that corresponded with areas of depression on multifocal electroretinography. Each tested positive for antiretinal antibodies.

This is a novel manifestation of paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy. Previously described cases have all affected the retina diffusely. These cases highlight the need to consider distant neoplastic processes when evaluating patient with similar presentations to those depicted here.