Optic neuropathy associated with penicillamine therapy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Optic neuropathy developed in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who had been receiving D-penicillamine for about 1 year. An associated finding included a 2+ positive antinuclear antibody test with a titer of 1:320. Optic disc swelling was resolved on high doses of intravenous steroids. The case resembles two previously reported cases of optic neuropathy which occurred in patients with Wilson's disease who were receiving penicillamine.