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

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Melanoma-associated vitelliform retinopathy is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome linked to skin melanoma.
• Paraneoplastic syndromes are tumor-associated diseases, distinct from primary tumors or metastases.
• These syndromes can manifest with extraocular symptoms, including ocular changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a clinical case of melanoma-associated vitelliform retinopathy.
• To emphasize the importance of ophthalmological examination in patients with oncological diseases and visual complaints.
• To highlight diagnostic methods for identifying this rare retinopathy.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis was established through a combination of clinical examination, fluorescein angiography, and autofluorescence imaging.
• Morphometric analysis of bilateral lesions at the retinal pigment epithelium level was performed.
• Optical coherence tomography was utilized for detailed structural assessment.

Main Results:

• The case involved bilateral lesions with multiple oval, grey-yellow foci at the retinal pigment epithelium.
• Instrumental studies confirmed the presence of melanoma-associated vitelliform retinopathy.
• The findings necessitated a diagnostic search for an underlying skin melanoma.

Conclusions:

• Ophthalmological fundus examination is mandatory for patients with cancer and visual disturbances.
• Bilateral retinal pigment epithelium lesions may indicate melanoma-associated vitelliform retinopathy, prompting investigation for skin melanoma.
• A comprehensive approach using multimodal imaging is key for accurate diagnosis.