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.
Autoimmune vision loss Test menu
Vision loss
Key testing
- PVLE | Paraneoplastic Vision Loss Evaluation, Serum
- RCVBS | Recoverin-IgG Antibody, Immunoblot, Serum
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
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.