Desferrioxamine related maculopathy: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Desferrioxamine is a crucial chelator therapy for managing chronic iron overload and acute iron poisoning.
• Prolonged desferrioxamine use is associated with potential ocular toxicities, including visual field constriction and optic neuropathy.
• Regular ophthalmic screening is recommended to detect and prevent these vision-threatening complications.

Observation:

• An 81-year-old patient undergoing desferrioxamine treatment for iron overload developed severe ocular toxicity.
• The patient had adhered to recommended ophthalmic screening protocols prior to the onset of symptoms.

Findings:

• Despite regular screening, the patient experienced irreversible ocular complications, including pigmentary retinopathy and optic neuropathy.
• This case demonstrates that standard ophthalmic surveillance may not be sufficient to prevent desferrioxamine-induced ocular toxicity in all patients.
• The findings underscore the need for heightened awareness and potentially revised monitoring strategies for patients on long-term desferrioxamine therapy.

Implications:

• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for ocular toxicity in patients receiving desferrioxamine, even with regular screening.
• Further research may be warranted to identify specific risk factors or biomarkers for predicting desferrioxamine-induced ocular toxicity.
• Consideration of alternative treatment strategies or more intensive monitoring may be necessary for high-risk individuals.