Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy secondary to interferon alfa
V. A. Purvin
Midwest Eye Institute/Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To report the occurrence of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
as a complication of treatment with interferon alfa and to consider the
possible underlying mechanisms for this association. DESIGN: Description of
the clinical findings in two patients with this condition. SETTING: A
neuro-ophthalmology referral center. PATIENTS: Two patients, ages 40 and 51
years, undergoing treatment with interferon alfa for malignant neoplasms
experienced sudden bilateral, sequential visual loss with disc-related
field defects and segmental optic disc edema. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with
aspirin and prednisone in one patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual
acuity, color vision, Goldmann perimetry testing, and fundus photography.
RESULTS: Visual loss was mild and generally nonprogressive. The interval
between initiating treatment with interferon alfa and onset of anterior
ischemic optic neuropathy was similar to that of interferon-associated
vascular retinopathy. CONCLUSION: Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy may
complicate treatment with interferon alfa. The underlying pathogenesis is
probably multifactorial.
