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Macular sensitivity changes for detection of chloroquine toxicity in asymptomatic patient

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Abstract

Purpose To describe the efficacy of microperimetry (MP-1) in detecting early retinal toxicity as a result of chronic use of chloroquine and in monitoring the changes in macular sensitivity in an asymptomatic patient with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 bilaterally. Methods A 60-year-old woman presented for routine ocular examination with a medical history of severe rheumatoid arthritis, for which she had been receiving 3 mg chloroquine (CQ) per kilogram for the past 17 years. The patient was asymptomatic with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 bilaterally. Results Microperimeter showed loss of sensitivity in the macular region with a dense scotoma within the central 12 degrees (2.80 ± 4.7 dB right eye and 2.84 ± 4.7 dB left eye). CQ treatment was discontinued and substituted by Plaquenil. Conclusions Chloroquine retinal toxicity can be recognized in a subclincal form by the presence of early changes in macular sensitivity, detected by MP-1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP, UK

    Martina Angi, Xavier Valldeperas & Mario R. Romano

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, S. Sebstiano Hospital, Caserta, Italy

    Vito Romano & Ferdinando Romano

Authors
  1. Martina Angi
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  2. Vito Romano
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  3. Xavier Valldeperas
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  4. Ferdinando Romano
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  5. Mario R. Romano
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Correspondence to Mario R. Romano.

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Angi, M., Romano, V., Valldeperas, X. et al. Macular sensitivity changes for detection of chloroquine toxicity in asymptomatic patient. Int Ophthalmol 30, 195–197 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-009-9297-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-009-9297-8

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