Melanoma-Associated Retinopathy

Melanoma‐associated retinopathy: does autoimmunity prolong survival?

“…Melanoma‐associated retinopathy (MAR) has become an increasingly recognized clinical entity over the past decade. At least 19 cases have now been reported, 18 of them were men 1–19 . Melanoma‐associated retinopathy has been seen only in patients with cutaneous melanoma.…”

Melanoma‐associated retinopathy

“…MAR can develop from 2 months to 19 years after primary MM, with a typically shorter latency period in the context of metastatic MM (1 month–15 years). Less commonly, MAR may precede the diagnosis of MM, or be the first sign of progression to metastatic disease …”

“…The positive visual phenomena are described as constant or fluctuating shimmering, pulsating or flickering lights, often worse in bright light . Symptoms usually become bilateral within 4 days–2 months, but less commonly can remain unilateral .…”

“…Fundal examination is usually normal at presentation, making the diagnosis all the more challenging. However, some abnormal findings, including white or atrophic retinal spots, or diffuse retinal pigment epithelium loss, have been reported . In more advanced cases, a blunted foveal response, a granular macular appearance, optic disc pallor and vessel attenuation may be seen…”

“…MAR is associated with different patterns of visual field loss, including central and paracentral scotomas, generalized depressions or constriction of the peripheral field, and arcuate defects . An example of a Goldmann visual field in a patient with MAR is shown in Fig.…”