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[Amiodarone induced retrobulbar neuritis. Clinical case]
J Bartolucci1, P Ibáñez, C Verdugo
1Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile. bart1-kong2@entelchile.net
Revista Medica De Chile
|February 11, 2000
Summary
This case report highlights a potential adverse effect of amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug. The patient experienced vision changes, including visual field loss, after treatment, suggesting amiodarone-induced optic neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- A 66-year-old male with coronary heart disease and long sightedness presented with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
- Treatment involved intravenous amiodarone at a total dose of 6g over 72 hours.
Observation:
- The patient initially noted improved long sightedness after three days of amiodarone treatment.
- Subsequently, blurred vision, frontal headache, and visual field defects (concentric retraction, centrocecal scotoma) developed.
Findings:
- Amiodarone was discontinued, and dexamethasone treatment was initiated.
- Visual function and visual fields normalized within three days of amiodarone withdrawal.
Implications:
- This case suggests amiodarone may be a potential cause of retrobulbar optic neuritis.
- Further investigation is warranted to establish a causal link between amiodarone and optic neuropathy.