Unilateral tacrolimus-associated optic neuropathy after liver transplantation

Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2012 Jun;31(2):167-70. doi: 10.3109/15569527.2011.629325. Epub 2011 Oct 28.

Abstract

Background: Tacrolimus has been associated with several ocular adverse effects, such as optic neuropathy.

Methodology/principal findings: A 56-year-old woman noted sudden, severe, painless visual loss in her left eye. She had undergone liver transplantation for alcoholic related cirrhosis 6 months before. Her chronic immunosuppressive regimen consisted of prednisone and tacrolimus at dosage of 1.5 mg orally once daily. Consequently, the patient developed a left optic neuropathy.

Conclusion/significance: We report the first case of unilateral optic neuropathy associated with oral tacrolimus medication. Surgeons and ophthalmologists must evaluate ocular symptoms in the post-transplantation period, and suspicion should be maintained even if unilaterality or asymmetry of symptoms against a toxic etiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blindness / chemically induced
  • Blindness / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus