Bilateral Simultaneous Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy after Ingestion of Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction. (19th March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tarantini, Anna; Faraoni, Alessandra; Menchini, Francesca; Lanzetta, Paolo
• Other Names: Alpini Gianfranco D. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in medicine. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-03-19
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Case Reports; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/747658
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9627

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose . To describe a patient who developed bilateral, simultaneous nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after ingestion of Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. Methods . Observational case report. Results . A 60-year-old diabetic man noted sudden decrease of vision in both eyes 16 hours after his third consecutive 50 mg daily Sildenafil ingestion. A diagnosis of bilateral NAION was made and he was treated for three days with methylprednisolone 1 g/d intravenously, followed by oral prednisone 75 mg/d. Final visual acuity was 20/50 right eye (OD) and 20/20 left eye (OS). He had preexisting diabetes. Conclusion . This is the first reported case of simultaneous bilateral NAION occurred in a diabetic patient early after Sildenafil intake. Patients with predisposing conditions such as diabetes have to be warned against the use of PDE inhibitors.