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Optic neuropathy following elcatonin therapy
1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan.
Summary
A patient on hemodialysis experienced sudden vision loss after elcatonin treatment for hypercalcemia. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing the medication, suggesting a potential link between elcatonin and optic neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- A 34-year-old male on long-term hemodialysis presented with acute visual disturbances.
- The patient had received elcatonin for hypercalcemia, a common complication in chronic kidney disease.
- This case highlights potential drug-induced ocular toxicity in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Observation:
- Sudden onset of blurred vision in both eyes was reported.
- Fundus examination revealed no abnormalities such as optic disc swelling or retinal changes.
- Goldmann kinetic perimetry identified central scotomas in both visual fields.
Findings:
- Visual acuity improved significantly, returning to 20/20 in both eyes one month after elcatonin discontinuation.
- The clinical presentation and subsequent recovery suggest elcatonin-induced optic neuropathy.
- While a definitive causal link remains unproven, the temporal association is notable.
Implications:
- Elcatonin therapy may pose a risk of optic neuropathy, particularly in hemodialysis patients.
- Ophthalmologists and nephrologists should be aware of this potential adverse effect.
- Further investigation is warranted to establish the mechanism and confirm the association between elcatonin and optic nerve dysfunction.