Bilateral Central Serous Retinopathy in a Patient with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Treated with Deferoxamine

Abstract

Purpose

To report a case of acute bilateral central serous retinopathy associated with deferoxamine therapy in the context of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Methods

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence were used to investigate posterior segment changes.

Results

A 76-year-old man with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and hereditary spherocytosis was started on deferoxamine for iron overload secondary to previous blood transfusions. Four days after initiation of treatment, he developed bilateral reduced vision and metamorphopsia. He was noted to have bilateral central serous retinopathy. Symptoms and serous retinal detachment resolved rapidly following discontinuation of treatment.

Conclusions

This case represents the first report of acute bilateral central serous retinopathy associated with deferoxamine therapy. Cessation of deferoxamine resulted in rapid visual recovery.