Two year electrophysiology follow-up in quinine amblyopia. A case report

Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh). 1987 Dec;65(6):731-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.1987.tb07072.x.

Abstract

A 19-year-old girl presenting with quinine amblyopia had serial electrophysiology studies over a 2 year period. Visually evoked responses and the electro-oculogram were abolished early. By 2 months the VER and visual acuity had returned to normal. The electroretinogram, initially mildly subnormal, became virtually abolished by 2 months. No recovery in cone function took place. Of the rods 50% regained function with normal latency by 1 year, but receptor sensitivity did not return to normal until 2 years after ingestion. The electro-oculogram also recovered slowly over a 2 year period. This pattern suggest that quinine exerts a direct toxic effect on the cells of the outer retina and pigment epithelium, as well as on the ganglion cells.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amblyopia / chemically induced*
  • Amblyopia / diagnosis
  • Amblyopia / physiopathology
  • Electroretinography
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / drug effects
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Quinine / poisoning*
  • Visual Acuity / drug effects

Substances

  • Quinine