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Mastocytosis-induced nyctalopia
R L Lesser1, S E Brodie, S L Sugin
1Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Summary
Systemic mastocytosis can cause night blindness due to vitamin A malabsorption. Prompt vitamin A therapy restored good vision in a patient with this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
Background:
- Systemic mastocytosis involves increased mast cells, potentially affecting multiple organs.
- Vitamin A deficiency can lead to visual impairment, including nyctalopia.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old man with mastocytosis presented with nyctalopia (night blindness).
- Diagnostic workup revealed low vitamin A levels and electroretinography (ERG) findings consistent with rod-cone deficiency.
Findings:
- The patient's nyctalopia was attributed to malabsorption secondary to systemic mastocytosis.
- Vitamin A supplementation successfully reversed the visual dysfunction.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of mastocytosis-induced nyctalopia.
- Vitamin A deficiency should be considered in patients with mastocytosis experiencing sudden night blindness.