Bilateral optic neuropathy due to combined ethambutol and isoniazid treatment

Ann Ophthalmol. 1979 Jul;11(7):1013-7.

Abstract

The case of a 40-year-old patient who underwent an unsuccessful cadaver kidney transplantation and was treated with ethambutol and isoniazid is reported. A bilateral retrobulbar neuropathy with an unusual central bitemporal hemianopic scotoma was found. Ethambutol was stopped and only small improvement of the visual acuity followed. Isoniazid was discontinued later, followed by a dramatic improvement in the visual acuity. The hazards of optic nerve toxicity due to ethambutol are known. We emphasize the potential danger in the use of ethambutol and isoniazid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ethambutol / adverse effects*
  • Hemianopsia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Isoniazid / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Male
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / complications
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Scotoma / etiology
  • Visual Fields

Substances

  • Ethambutol
  • Isoniazid