title: [Canthaxanthin retinopathy without intake of canthaxanthin].
abstract: Seven patients are described who presented with the typical fundus finding of gold-colored crystals in the superficial layers of retina in the macular area (characteristic of canthaxanthin retinopathy) without having taken canthaxanthin-containing drugs. Canthaxanthin used as a food additive is discussed as a possible cause of the crystal deposition. There may be a rather high individual tendency to develop crystal deposition, possibly related to a metabolic defect affecting canthaxanthin kinetics or to pre-existing changes in the retinal pigment epithelium. In one patient a slight decrease in crystalline deposition was observed in the course of four years.
authors.affiliation: Augenklinik Universität, Leiden.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Oosterhuis
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Remky
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Nijman
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Craandijk
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: de Wolff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016644:Canthaxanthin; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D003460:Crystallization; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012160:Retina; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D002338:Carotenoids; D016644:Canthaxanthin
vernacular_title: Canthaxanthin-Retinopathie ohne Canthaxanthin-Einnahme.