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Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy secondary to interferon alfa
1Midwest Eye Institute/Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, USA.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy can occur with interferon alfa treatment. This condition, causing vision loss, may be linked to multifactorial causes in patients with malignant neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Oncology
Background:
- Interferon alfa is used to treat malignant neoplasms.
- Vascular complications are known side effects of interferon alfa therapy.
Observation:
- Two patients undergoing interferon alfa treatment for cancer developed sudden, bilateral, sequential vision loss.
- Clinical presentation included optic disc edema and visual field defects.
Findings:
- Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) was diagnosed as a complication of interferon alfa treatment.
- Visual loss was generally mild and nonprogressive.
- The onset timing resembled that of interferon-associated vascular retinopathy.
Implications:
- Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is a potential adverse event associated with interferon alfa therapy.
- The pathogenesis is likely multifactorial, warranting further investigation.
- Ophthalmologists and oncologists should be aware of this association.