You have full text access to this OnlineOpen article

Characterization of vigabatrin-associated optic atrophy

  1. Lars Frisén*,
  2. Kristina Malmgren

Article first published online: 26 SEP 2003

DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2003.00125.x

Issue

Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica

Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica

Volume 81, Issue 5, pages 466–473, October 2003

Additional Information

How to Cite

Frisén, L. and Malmgren, K. (2003), Characterization of vigabatrin-associated optic atrophy. Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica, 81: 466–473. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2003.00125.x

Author Information

  1. Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgren's Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden

* Lars Frisén MD, PhD Neuro-oftalmologi Blue S 7:5 SU/S SE-413 45 Gothenburg Sweden Tel: + 46 31 342 33 21 Fax: + 46 31 82 01 43 Email: lars.frisen@neuro.gu.se

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 26 SEP 2003
  2. Article first published online: 26 SEP 2003
  3. Received on March 13th, 2003. Accepted on June 3rd, 2003.

SEARCH

SEARCH BY CITATION

ARTICLE TOOLS

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (2093K)

Keywords:

  • vigabatrin;
  • optic atrophy;
  • retinal nerve fibre;
  • layer;
  • visual field

Abstract.

Aims: To report the discovery of a previously unknown form of optic atrophy associated with use of the anti-epileptic drug vigabatrin.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of digitally enhanced ocular fundus photographs, kinetic visual field maps and treatment parameters for 25 patients, who were selected to represent a large spectrum of visual field defects.

Results: In all, 21 patients (84%) evidenced subtle, diffuse atrophy of the retinal nerve fibre layer, in a pattern accessible to scoring. Atrophy scores correlated with visual field remains and cumulative vigabatrin doses. A pathophysiological model is proposed that involves the lengths of intraocular (unmyelinated) retinal ganglion cell axons.

Conclusion: Optic atrophy attests to the irreversible nature of vigabatrin's visual toxicity. Ocular fundus imaging should prove useful for objectively monitoring vigabatrin-treated subjects for visual toxicity.

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (2093K)