DIAGNOSTIC TEST PANEL 569
Paraneoplastic Retinopathy Syndrome (MAR/CAR)
Diagnostic test panel for antibodies against Recoverin and Alpha-Enolase. For suspicion of paraneoplastic retinopathy (MAR/CAR).
Clinical background
Paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy belongs to a range of unusual ophthalmologic diseases in which autoantibodies directed against various retinal components cause progressive loss of vision. In some cases, investigation reveals an underlying cancer, making these syndromes fall under the paraneoplastic syndrome. In most cases, however, no cancer is found, and these patients are considered to have autoimmune retinopathy. The onset of symptoms and the detection of autoantibodies may precede the diagnosis of cancer by several months to years. The longest reported interval is 11 years. In some cases, patients with underlying cancer have had high titers of anti-retinal antibodies but no signs of impaired vision.
Specific forms of paraneoplastic and autoimmune retinopathy that have been identified include cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) and melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR).
The clinical symptoms are typically rapid and painless loss of vision in connection with photopsia and photosensitivity. Symptoms are usually bilateral, sometimes sequential, and progressive over weeks to months. In patients with anti-enolase antibodies, symptoms are less acute, and the progression is slower. In most cases of CAR, visual loss occurs before the cancer is diagnosed. However, in MAR, vision loss occurs most commonly in patients whose melanoma is already diagnosed, often at the stage of metastatic spread.
Reference
- Braithwaite T, Vugler A, Tufail A. Autoimmune retinopathy. Ophthalmologica. 2012;228(3):131-42.
Tests included in panel
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How to order
This test panel is available worldwide for hospitals, clinics, and physicians.
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Print and complete the request form
Download the request form. Clearly state the name and phone number of the referring hospital, clinic, or physician. -
Prepare your samples
Serum: At least 1 mL serum (plain serum tubes without additives).
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Send samples and request form
Within Sweden
Samples can be sent at room temperature to:
Envelopes and smaller boxes:
Wieslab AB, Box 50117, 20211 Malmö, Sweden
Larger boxes and frozen samples:
Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden
International
Send samples cold to:
Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden
Last updated: 2025-08-18
