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Multiple myeloma presenting with bilateral exudative macular detachments
J M Brody1, S I Butrus, M F Ashraf
1Department of Ophthalmology, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.
Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica
|February 1, 1995
Summary
A 64-year-old man with diabetes experienced vision loss due to bilateral exudative macular detachments. Multiple myeloma was diagnosed, highlighting a rare cause of vision impairment in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Exudative macular detachments typically indicate intraocular neovascularization or inflammation.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male with diabetes presented with bilateral blurred vision.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral exudative macular detachments.
- No diabetic retinopathy or congestive retinopathy was noted; fluorescein angiography showed no focal leakage.
Findings:
- Laboratory investigations, bone marrow biopsy, and bone survey confirmed a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
- The patient's exudative macular detachments were attributed to multiple myeloma, not diabetic retinopathy.
Implications:
- This case highlights multiple myeloma as a potential, albeit rare, cause of exudative macular detachments.
- Ophthalmologists should consider systemic conditions like multiple myeloma in the differential diagnosis of unexplained exudative macular detachments, even in diabetic patients.