Paraproteinemias associated with serous detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium and neurosensory retina. 1996

S M Cohen, and G T Kokame, and J D Gass
Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA.

BACKGROUND Serous retinal and retinal pigment epithelial detachments resembling central serous chorioretinopathy developed in three patients who had paraproteinemias. METHODS The patients in this study were examined at two institutions, and their charts, photographs, and fluorescein angiograms were reviewed by the authors. Two patients had cryoglobulinemia and one had lgA, lgM benign gammopathy. RESULTS These patients had decreased central visual acuity and metamorphopsia at the initial examination. All three patients were women. Two patients were taking systemic corticosteroids in tapering doses at the time of the initial examination. The multiple serous retinal pigment epithelial and retinal detachments were unilateral in one patient and bilateral in two patients. Two patients were treated with laser photocoagulation because of chronic visual loss and foveal detachments. At the most recent examination, each patient had visual acuity of 20/30 or better in both eyes and complete resolution of subretinal fluid. CONCLUSIONS Patients with paraproteinemia may develop multiple serous detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium and of the neurosensory retina. The chorioretinopathy in these patients may have been related to their paraproteinemia, type A personality, corticosteroid use, or a combination of these factors. The final visual acuity in these three patients was good.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007070 Immunoglobulin A Represents 15-20% of the human serum immunoglobulins, mostly as the 4-chain polymer in humans or dimer in other mammals. Secretory IgA (IMMUNOGLOBULIN A, SECRETORY) is the main immunoglobulin in secretions. IgA,IgA Antibody,IgA1,IgA2,Antibody, IgA
D007075 Immunoglobulin M A class of immunoglobulin bearing mu chains (IMMUNOGLOBULIN MU-CHAINS). IgM can fix COMPLEMENT. The name comes from its high molecular weight and originally was called a macroglobulin. Gamma Globulin, 19S,IgM,IgM Antibody,IgM1,IgM2,19S Gamma Globulin,Antibody, IgM
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D010857 Pigment Epithelium of Eye The layer of pigment-containing epithelial cells in the RETINA; the CILIARY BODY; and the IRIS in the eye. Eye Pigment Epithelium
D012163 Retinal Detachment Separation of the inner layers of the retina (neural retina) from the pigment epithelium. Retinal detachment occurs more commonly in men than in women, in eyes with degenerative myopia, in aging and in aphakia. It may occur after an uncomplicated cataract extraction, but it is seen more often if vitreous humor has been lost during surgery. (Dorland, 27th ed; Newell, Ophthalmology: Principles and Concepts, 7th ed, p310-12). Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment,Detachment, Retinal,Detachments, Retinal,Retinal Detachments
D002199 Capillary Permeability The property of blood capillary ENDOTHELIUM that allows for the selective exchange of substances between the blood and surrounding tissues and through membranous barriers such as the BLOOD-AIR BARRIER; BLOOD-AQUEOUS BARRIER; BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER; BLOOD-NERVE BARRIER; BLOOD-RETINAL BARRIER; and BLOOD-TESTIS BARRIER. Small lipid-soluble molecules such as carbon dioxide and oxygen move freely by diffusion. Water and water-soluble molecules cannot pass through the endothelial walls and are dependent on microscopic pores. These pores show narrow areas (TIGHT JUNCTIONS) which may limit large molecule movement. Microvascular Permeability,Permeability, Capillary,Permeability, Microvascular,Vascular Permeability,Capillary Permeabilities,Microvascular Permeabilities,Permeabilities, Capillary,Permeabilities, Microvascular,Permeabilities, Vascular,Permeability, Vascular,Vascular Permeabilities
D003449 Cryoglobulinemia A condition characterized by the presence of abnormal quantities of CRYOGLOBULINS in the blood. Upon cold exposure, these abnormal proteins precipitate into the microvasculature leading to restricted blood flow in the exposed areas. Cryoglobulinemias
D005260 Female Females
D005451 Fluorescein Angiography Visualization of a vascular system after intravenous injection of a fluorescein solution. The images may be photographed or televised. It is used especially in studying the retinal and uveal vasculature. Fluorescence Angiography,Fundus Fluorescence Photography,Angiography, Fluorescein,Angiography, Fluorescence,Fluorescence Photography, Fundus,Photography, Fundus Fluorescence
D005654 Fundus Oculi The concave interior of the eye, consisting of the retina, the choroid, the sclera, the optic disk, and blood vessels, seen by means of the ophthalmoscope. (Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed) Fundus of the Eye,Ocular Fundus,Fundus, Ocular

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