Paraneoplastic autoimmune optic neuritis with retinitis defined by CRMP-5-IgG

Shelley A. Cross, Diva R. Salomao, Joseph E. Parisi, Thomas J. Kryzer, Elizabeth A. Bradley, Jonathan A. Mines, Byron L. Lam, Vanda A. Lennon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

176 Scopus citations

Abstract

Autoantibodies have defined two paraneoplastic visual disorders related to small-cell lung carcinoma: retinopathy ("CAR"-IgG [23kDa, recoverin]) and optic neuritis (collapsin response-mediator protein-5 [CRMP]-IgG [62kDa]). Among 16 patients with CRMP-5-IgG and optic neuritis (aged 52-74 years; all smokers, 9 women), we documented coexisting retinitis in 5. None had CAR-IgG. Fifteen had subacute vision loss, swollen optic discs, and field defects. Vascular leakage was evident at and remote from the disc; 5/5 tested had abnormal electroretinograms. Nine had striking vitreous cells. Vitrectomy showed reactive lymphocytosis (4/4), predominantly CD4+ (1/1). Most patients had multifocal neurological accompaniments. Cerebrospinal fluid contained lymphocytes (7-32), elevated protein, multiple oligoclonal immunoglobulin bands, and CRMP-5-IgG. Three patients superficially resembled Devic's disease at presentation. One autopsied patient had predominantly CD8+ T lymphocytes infiltrating optic nerve and spinal cord. Eleven patients had confirmed small-cell carcinoma; 1 had imaging evidence of lung cancer; 3 had renal or thyroid carcinoma. Full-length CRMP-5 protein was identified in normal retina and optic nerve by Western blot analyses. Photoreceptor cells, retinal ganglion cells, and nerve fibers exhibited CRMP-5-specific immunoreactivity. In summary, CRMP-5-IgG defines a paraneoplastic ophthalmological entity of combined optic neuritis and retinitis with vitreous inflammatory cells. Positive serology obviates the need for vitreous biopsy and expedites the search for cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)38-50
Number of pages13
JournalAnnals of neurology
Volume54
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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