Tacrolimus (FK506)-induced cerebral blindness following bone marrow transplantation

Bone Marrow Transplant. 1996 Sep;18(3):569-72.

Abstract

Three patients who developed acute onset of cerebral blindness within 5-47 days of BMT using tacrolimus (FK506) as primary GVHD prophylaxis are described. This syndrome has been described with the use of cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 in solid organ transplant recipients. CsA-induced cerebral blindness has also been noted in BMT recipients but to date there have been no reports of this complication in BMT patients receiving FK506. We have noted a striking similarity in the clinical and radiographic presentations between these patients and those with CsA-associated cerebral blindness. Reversibility within 1-2 weeks of onset and the potential for substitution of CsA for FK506 in these patients is described.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blindness / etiology*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation*
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Cyclosporine / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Tacrolimus