Bilateral central serous retinopathy in a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria treated with deferoxamine

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2016 Nov 4;26(6):e152-e154. doi: 10.5301/ejo.5000840.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of acute bilateral central serous retinopathy associated with deferoxamine therapy in the context of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Methods: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence were used to investigate posterior segment changes.

Results: A 76-year-old man with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and hereditary spherocytosis was started on deferoxamine for iron overload secondary to previous blood transfusions. Four days after initiation of treatment, he developed bilateral reduced vision and metamorphopsia. He was noted to have bilateral central serous retinopathy. Symptoms and serous retinal detachment resolved rapidly following discontinuation of treatment.

Conclusions: This case represents the first report of acute bilateral central serous retinopathy associated with deferoxamine therapy. Cessation of deferoxamine resulted in rapid visual recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy / chemically induced*
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy / physiopathology
  • Deferoxamine / adverse effects*
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Iron Overload / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Siderophores / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods
  • Vision Disorders / chemically induced
  • Vision Disorders / physiopathology
  • Vision, Low / chemically induced
  • Vision, Low / physiopathology
  • Visual Acuity / drug effects

Substances

  • Siderophores
  • Deferoxamine