[Oedematous optic neuropathy from Perhexilline maleate associated with peripheral polyneuropathy (author's transl)]

The authors report on a polyradiculoneuropathy related to long-term treatment with Perhexiline maleate (a drug used in France since 1973 for coronary insufficiency) whose presenting sign is a bilateral aedematous optic neuropathy. The mechanism of this effect on the optic nerves and on papilloedema is discussed; it seems not to be caused by a direct toxic action on the optic fibres but by the existence of chronic intracranial hypertension.