[Paraneoplastic retinopathy associated with cutaneous melanoma. An update apropos of a case].

BACKGROUND: Ocular paraneoplastic syndromes are rare, and consist of optic neuropathy or retinopathy. Classically, these syndromes are related to carcinoma. Melanoma-associated retinopathy is extremely rare, and unrecognized.

METHODS: A patient with metastatic cutaneous melanoma discovered and operated 18 months before. Visual complains consisted of xanthopsia and shimmering light vision, then hemeralopia, which dramatically worsened. Classical clinical examination, visual field and electroretinogram were performed.

RESULTS: Visual acuity was 20/25, and fundus examination was normal. The visual field showed a tubular aspect, with V4 isopter remained, like an advanced retinitis pigmentosa. The photopic electroretinogram was negative, and the scotopic one was flat.

CONCLUSION: This recent hemeralopia with normal fundus and "negative" electroretinogram, ruled out congenital stationary night blindness diagnosis, and suggested the diagnosis of melanoma-associated retinopathy. This is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome since to date only 7 cases have been reported. Immunochemistry studies, that show antibodies directed against bipolar cells, are consistent with selective reduction of the electroretinogram b wave.