IgM paraprotein in the subretinal fluid of a patient with recurrent retinal detachment and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.

IgM paraprotein was detected by immunoelectrophoresis and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the subretinal fluid (SRF) of a patient suffering from recurrent retinal detachment and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia. Paraproteins in large quantities may inhibit fibrin formation which in turn may be an important agent in retinal reattachment and the starting point of scar formation in the subretinal space. By this case report the authors wanted to support the assumption that changes in the protein composition of SRF might explain the unsuccessful outcome in certain cases of retinal detachment when reattachment could not be achieved though the diagnosis was correct and the surgery performed correctly.