Clinical and Histological Features of Small Cell Lung Cancer Paraneoplastic Inflammatory Uveitis.

PURPOSE: Paraneoplastic ocular inflammation can be associated with the autoantibody against collapsin response-mediator protein-5 (anti-CRMP-5). We describe the clinical and histological features of 2 rare cases of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) presenting with intraocular inflammation: the first was anti-CRMP-5 positive and the second preceded the auto-antibody's discovery but with remarkably similar features. The previously unreported retinal histology is described.

METHODS: Case notes review.

RESULTS: Both cases presented with bilateral visual loss, constricted visual fields, vitritis, and pale, swollen optic discs. Fundal fluorescein angiographies showed optic disc leakage. Retinal histology of both cases revealed predominantly inner retinal inflammation. Following their diagnosis with SCLC, serology for case 1 was positive for anti-CRMP-5 but case 2 pre-dated its discovery.

CONCLUSIONS: CRMP-5 inflammatory eye disease presents with a distinct pattern of clinical and histological features, which may be the first sign of their underlying cancer. Retinal histology revealed predominantly inner retinal inflammation.