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Carboplatin-Induced Bilateral Papilledema: A Case Report
N Fischer1, J Stuermer, B Rodic
1Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Case Reports in Oncology
|August 27, 2010
Summary
Carboplatin chemotherapy can cause vision loss due to bilateral papilledema. Stopping treatment and using corticosteroids may reverse these platinum-induced visual side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Platinum-based chemotherapy agents, like carboplatin, are widely used in cancer treatment.
- Ototoxicity and neurotoxicity are known side effects of platinum agents, but visual disturbances are less commonly reported.
Observation:
- A patient developed bilateral papilledema, a condition causing swelling of the optic disc, during carboplatin treatment.
- Visual symptoms included loss of visual accuracy, color vision deficits, and scotomas, potentially indicative of cortical blindness or optic nerve issues.
Findings:
- Carboplatin-induced papilledema can lead to significant visual impairment, mimicking other neurological and ophthalmological conditions.
- Symptoms, though often initially mild and unilateral, can progress if chemotherapy continues, delaying diagnosis.
- The observed visual disturbances were reversible within weeks to months after discontinuing carboplatin therapy.
Implications:
- Early recognition of visual changes during carboplatin therapy is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention.
- Cessation of platinum-based treatment is the primary therapeutic strategy for carboplatin-induced visual toxicity.
- Empiric use of corticosteroids may be beneficial in managing platinum-induced papilledema and associated visual dysfunction.
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