A case of cancer-associated retinopathy with chorioretinitis and optic neuritis associated with occult small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) is associated with various malignancies, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It is difficult to recognize, but prompt diagnosis is crucial for the patient, as retinopathy may be a herald sign that precedes systemic manifestations by months, thus allowing early treatment of the underlying malignancy. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case of CAR with chorioretinitis and optic neuritis in a patient with occult SCLC. The patient presented with rapidly progressive peripheral field loss and photopsias with “prism-like” visual disturbances. Her symptoms stabilized with intravenous methylprednisolone, and her cancer was treated with carboplatin, etoposide and radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of SCLC-associated CAR to present with chorioretinitis. CAR can be a herald feature of SCLC, and early recognition of the disease should prompt a systemic evaluation for an occult malignancy, which may be critical for patient survival. Further understanding of CAR pathogenesis may offer potential avenues for treatment.