[Vigabatrin-associated bilateral simple optic nerve atrophy with visual field constriction. A case report and a survey of the literature].
METHODS
A 70-year-old male with optic disc pallor and visual field constriction up to 35 degrees bilaterally was previously treated with vigabatrin. The cumulative dosage was 3.7 kg. The b-wave was reduced in photopic and scotopic electroretinography and the patient had delayed visual evoked potentials. The retinal nerve fiber thickness was pathologically reduced in the Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT) and the retinal nerve fiber layer analyzer (GDx).


CONCLUSIONS
Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug and may increase the intraretinal GABA level due to an inhibition of the enzyme GABA-transaminase and may induce an ascending simple optic nerve atrophy. Vigabatrin-associated visual field defects may be irreversible. A visual field control is recommended before starting the treatment with vigabatrin and at regular 6-month intervals thereafter. In cases of visual field constriction, the therapy should be stopped. If the cumulative dosage is more than 3 kg of vigabatrin, the visual field controls should be performed more frequently because of the dosage-toxicity relationship.
Viestenz
Arne
A
Augenklinik mit Poliklinik der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen. Arne.Viestenz@t-online.de
Viestenz
Anja
A
Mardin
C Y
CY
D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D009896:Optic Atrophy / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D020888:Vigabatrin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000187:drug effects*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D020888:Vigabatrin