Bilateral talc maculopathy and fibrovascular proliferation in a drug abuser.
BACKGROUND
Intravenous drug abuse can cause a characteristic crystalline maculopathy. Very rarely, peripheral retinal neovascularization can also be seen in intravenous drug abusers. We present a case of a young cocaine abuser with bilateral crystalline maculopathy and peripheral retinal neovascularization.


METHODS
Case report.


RESULTS
Retinal vascular emboli such as talc are common in drug abusers, but in most cases, the retinal deposits pose only a minimal threat to vision. Our case shows a bilateral crystalline maculopathy and extensive retinal neovascularization, with a devastating effect on visual acuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous drug abuse can cause retinopathy. This article is about a young cocaine abuser with bilateral crystalline maculopathy and extensive peripheral retinal neovascularization.
From the Deparment of Ophtalmology, ZNA Middelheim Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
Joke
J
Ruys
Marc D
MD
de Smet
Wivine
W
Van de Sompel