Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy secondary to interferon alfa.
OBJECTIVE
To report the occurrence of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy as a complication of treatment with interferon alfa and to consider the possible underlying mechanisms for this association.


METHODS
Description of the clinical findings in two patients with this condition.


METHODS
A neuro-ophthalmology referral center.


METHODS
Two patients, ages 40 and 51 years, undergoing treatment with interferon alfa for malignant neoplasms experienced sudden bilateral, sequential visual loss with disc-related field defects and segmental optic disc edema.


METHODS
Treatment with aspirin and prednisone in one patient.


METHODS
Visual acuity, color vision, Goldmann perimetry testing, and fundus photography.


RESULTS
Visual loss was mild and generally nonprogressive. The interval between initiating treatment with interferon alfa and onset of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy was similar to that of interferon-associated vascular retinopathy.


CONCLUSIONS
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy may complicate treatment with interferon alfa. The underlying pathogenesis is probably multifactorial.
Purvin
V A
VA
Midwest Eye Institute/Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, USA.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000628:therapy; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007511:Ischemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000628:therapy; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000098:blood supply*; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014794:Visual Fields
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D001241:Aspirin; D011241:Prednisone