Optic neuropathy associated with CANOMAD: description of 2 cases.

CANOMAD is a chronic ataxic neuropathy associated with IgM paraproteinemia and reactivity against disialosyl gangliosides. Ophthalmoplegia is a typical feature, but optic pathway involvement has not been reported previously. We describe 2 cases of CANOMAD associated with optic neuropathy. Severe visual loss was present in 1 case. We postulate that optic nerve damage may be related to antibody reactivity against gangliosides. Our report broadens the spectrum of cranial nerve involvement in this rare entity.