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[Poppers-associated maculopathy]
M Pahlitzsch1, S Draghici, B M Mehrinfar
1Augenklinik, Augenklinik am Wittenbergplatz, Kleiststraße 23–26, Berlin. mi.pahlitzsch@gmx.de
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|July 24, 2013
Summary
Popper abuse, a form of alkyl nitrite, can cause rare maculopathy and vision loss. This study found four cases of visual impairment linked to popper inhalation in homosexual men.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Poppers, alkyl nitrites used for decades, are legally sold as air fresheners but illegally for recreational inhalation.
- Abuse of poppers is a rare cause of maculopathy and visual loss.
Observation:
- A case series of 27 homosexual men with popper abuse presented with visual impairment.
- Four patients exhibited maculopathy and subacute visual loss.
- Symptoms included changes in color perception and reduced visual acuity.
Findings:
- Optical coherence tomography revealed disruption of the inner segment/outer segment junction in affected patients.
- Maculopathy was bilateral and symmetrical in three cases.
- While three patients were HIV-positive, the maculopathy was not directly attributed to HIV or antiretroviral therapy.
Implications:
- The study suggests a potential dose-response relationship or individual vulnerability to popper-induced maculopathy.
- It highlights the need for clinicians to inquire about popper abuse in patients with visual disturbances.
- Further research is required to elucidate the specific mechanisms and risk factors associated with popper-related maculopathy.
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