A Case of Melanoma-Associated Retinopathy Presenting with Ocular Symptoms as the Initial Manifestation: A Case Report.

Introduction: Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a distinct subset within the spectrum of retinal-dysfunction disorders. It is triggered by the cross-reaction between circulating antibodies originating from malignant melanoma (MM) and retinal antigens. The timely identification of paraneoplastic retinal diseases is crucial, as it can significantly contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of underlying malignancies. Currently, increasing awareness of the early clinical manifestations of MAR is essential for clinicians to detect primary or metastatic MMs at an earlier stage.

Case presentation: This report details a case of a patient who initially presented with night blindness and visual field defects as the primary symptoms. Through a comprehensive and systematic examination process, which involved detailed ophthalmological examinations and multidisciplinary diagnostic approaches, esophageal, and cardia MM was ultimately diagnosed. The patient was referred to an external hospital for comprehensive antitumor management, and posttreatment, the patient self-reported a notable improvement compared to the pretreatment state.

Conclusion: The purpose of sharing this case is to clarify the early clinical manifestations of MAR. It is anticipated that this will prompt clinicians to enhance their vigilance and identify primary or metastatic MMs earlier. Early treatment of the primary disease not only has the potential to reduce the risk of irreversible immune-mediated damage to retinal cells but also to improve visual outcomes. This highlights the significance of early diagnosis and intervention in the management of such diseases, providing important reference for clinicians.