Gallium nitrate optic neuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To report a patient with visual loss after systemic administration of gallium nitrate.


METHODS
Case report.


RESULTS
After receiving intravenous gallium nitrate, a 77-year-old man developed bilateral visual loss and optic neuropathy with central scotomas on visual field testing and diminished P2-wave amplitude on visual evoked potential examination. The condition worsened after oral corticosteroid therapy. Partial recovery of optic nerve function in both eyes was present after 12 months of oral ferrous sulfate administration.


CONCLUSIONS
Partially reversible bilateral optic neuropathy may occur after administration of gallium nitrate in the absence of other chemotherapeutic agents. Ophthalmic examinations are indicated in patients who receive gallium nitrate.
Csaky
K G
KG
Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. kcsaky@helix.nih.gov
Caruso
R C
RC
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005708:Gallium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D012607:Scotoma / Q000139:chemically induced; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D005708:Gallium; D011241:Prednisone; C027235:gallium nitrate