Ocular adverse effects of human chorionic gonadotropin

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Ophthalmology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key hormone in pregnancy and is used therapeutically.
• Clomiphene citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to induce ovulation.
• Both hCG and clomiphene can influence luteinizing hormone (LH) activity and testosterone levels.

Observation:

• A patient experienced blurred vision and scotomas.
• These visual disturbances occurred after receiving hCG injections.

Findings:

• This case report is the first to document visual disturbances, specifically blurred vision and scotomas, associated with hCG injections.
• The observed visual symptoms are similar to those reported with clomiphene use.
• The shared mechanism of action between hCG and clomiphene, involving LH activity and testosterone modulation, may be implicated.

Implications:

• This suggests a potential link between hCG therapy and visual side effects.
• Further investigation is warranted to understand the mechanism of hCG-induced visual disturbances.
• Clinicians should be aware of potential visual side effects in patients receiving hCG injections.