Gemcitabine associated retinopathy and nephropathy
Alan T Sheyman1, Kenneth J Wald, Patricia J Pahk
1*Department of Ophthalmology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York; †Department of Ophthalmology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York; and ‡Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York.
Retinal Cases & Brief Reports
|November 6, 2014
Summary
This case report details a patient experiencing vision loss and kidney failure after gemcitabine chemotherapy, suggesting a potential drug-induced vasculopathy affecting both the eyes and kidneys.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Gemcitabine is a widely used chemotherapy agent for various cancers.
- Retinopathy and nephropathy are potential, though uncommon, side effects of chemotherapy.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old woman with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma developed progressive visual loss and renal failure.
- These symptoms emerged shortly after initiating gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.
Findings:
- Clinical examination and fluorescein angiography revealed severe retinal ischemia.
- The patient's presentation suggests a potential gemcitabine-induced vasculopathy.
Implications:
- This case highlights a possible link between gemcitabine and severe retinal and renal ischemia.
- Further investigation into gemcitabine-induced vasculopathy is warranted.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for ocular and renal complications in patients receiving gemcitabine.
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