Retinal vein thrombosis associated with a herbal phytoestrogen preparation in a susceptible patient.
A 55 year old woman, known to have systemic lupus erythematosus and protein S deficiency, presented with sudden onset of visual loss in the left eye. Three days previously, she took a herbal phytoestrogen preparation for relief of her menopausal symptoms. Ophthalmological assessment showed a left inferior hemiretinal vein thrombosis. The temporal relation between the onset of visual symptoms and ingestion of this herbal preparation suggested that in this patient with a prior non-manifest prothrombotic tendency, there may be an association between the development of retinal vein thrombosis and herbal phytoestrogen use.
Lai Cheong
J E
JE
Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Link 7Z, Royal Liverpool University Hospital NHS Trust, Prescot Road, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK. jelai_cheong@hotmail.com
Cheong
J L
JL
Bucknall
R
R
D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018455:Protein S Deficiency / Q000150:complications; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000139:chemically induced*
D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations