[Interferon-beta retinopathy].
BACKGROUND
Interferon-alpha associated retinopathy is an ocular complication of hepatitis C treatment well established in the literature. But, there are far fewer reports on multiple sclerosis related interferon-beta retinopathy.


METHODS
A 58-year-old male while receiving subcutaneous interferon-beta 1a 44microg thrice a week since 2001 for multiple sclerosis developed blurred vision. Visual acuity remained stable throughout the course of surveillance. Cotton wool spots were found on fundus exam. The retinopathy disappeared without specific therapy 2 months after discontinuing interferon injections. The diagnosis of interferon-beta 1a retinopathy was retained due to the lack of any other etiology.


CONCLUSIONS
An ophthalmological examination including a fundus examination to search for a retinopathy should be undertaken when new ocular symptoms develop in a multiple sclerosis patient receiving interferon. An adverse event linked to interferon can be discussed and favored if the retinopathy resolves after interferon withdrawal.
Sallansonnet-Froment
M
M
Service de neurologie, hôpital d'instruction-des-Armées du Val-de-Grâce, 74, boulevard de Port-Royal, 75230 Paris cedex 05, France. froment.magali@wanadoo.fr
Roux
X
X
de Greslan
T
T
Bounolleau
P
P
Taillia
H
H
Ricard
D
D
Ouologuem
M
M
Renard
J L
JL
D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a