The outcome of pseudotumor cerebri induced by tetracycline therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the association between tetracycline treatment and pseudotumor cerebri (PTC).


METHODS
Consecutive patients from two neuro-ophthalmic referral centers, who developed PTC syndrome post-treatment with tetracycline, were enrolled and followed for a minimum of 2 years after cessation of tetracycline.


RESULTS
A total of 243 consecutive patients were diagnosed with PTC; 18 had concurrent history of tetracycline treatment; a third experienced a limited course of illness with no relapses; 12 had a variable course with a prolonged relapsing illness. Mean duration of tetracycline treatment prior to diagnosis was 2.73 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Tetracycline, and especially minocycline, is currently considered a cause or a precipitating factor for PTC. Although there is little information on the natural course of tetracycline induced PTC, the present cases demonstrate that drug withdrawal is curative only in some patients.
Kesler
A
A
Neuro-ophthalmology Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. kesler@netvision.net.il
Goldhammer
Y
Y
Hadayer
A
A
Pianka
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008911:Minocycline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011379:Prognosis; D011559:Pseudotumor Cerebri / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013752:Tetracycline; D008911:Minocycline