Crystalline maculopathy: a rare complication of tamoxifen therapy

J Cancer Res Ther. 2010 Jul-Sep;6(3):313-5. doi: 10.4103/0973-1482.73332.

Abstract

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator widely used in the treatment of hormone-responsive breast cancer. Tamoxifen-induced ocular complications are very rare. A post-menopausal woman, diagnosed and treated case of carcinoma of left breast, on follow-up presented with history of gradual diminution of vision in both eyes of 3 months duration. Patient was on tamoxifen therapy 20 mg daily for the last 2 years. Fundus examination showed crystalline maculopathy. Fluorescein angiography, ocular coherence tomography confirmed the diagnosis. Tamoxifen therapy was discontinued. Although ocular toxicity is rare, careful evaluation of patients with visual symptoms on tamoxifen therapy is required.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Macula Lutea / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Tamoxifen / adverse effects*
  • Tamoxifen / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Tamoxifen