Mayo Clinic Laboratories > Neurology > Autoimmune > Vision loss

Autoimmune vision loss

Reliable testing for autoimmune retinopathy

Our unique panel includes testing for antibodies proven to be associated with paraneoplastic retinopathy or cancer-associated retinopathy. Acute, painless vision loss in both eyes can be a sign of underlying cancer. Patients who present with those symptoms are good candidates for this testing. Positive test results often indicate a small cell lung cancer that might not have been detected otherwise. Many of these patients can be treated, and they respond well to corticosteroids or other immunotherapies.

90%

90% of patients with CRMP-5 antibodies have a small cell carcinoma

Autoimmune vision loss Test menu

Vision loss Vision loss

Vision loss

Key testing

Advantages

  • Detects for evidence of CRMP-5 and recoverin antibodies, which confirms diagnosis of paraneoplastic vision loss.
  • Helps direct a search for an underlying cancer.
  • Facilitates appropriate treatment selection.

Highlights

Paraneoplastic Vision Loss Evaluation [Test in Focus]

Andrew McKeon, M,B., B.Ch., M.D., provides an overview of Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new paraneoplastic vision loss evaluation — a test that can help direct a cancer diagnosis and guide treatment. He reviews why this test was developed, when it should be ordered, and how the results can affect patient care.

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