DR. PINANK KHARKANDE

DR. VIRNA SHAH, Dr. KARTHIK KUMAR MANI, DR. AVANI CHANDRAN

Abstract

A retrospective analysis of patients with ethambutol induced optic neuropathy was done,which included 30 patients attending our OPD from January to March 2022.Mean age was 53.73 with male (70%) preponderance.Visual fields showed Bitemporal hemianopia in 43% (13 ), temporal field defects in 26%(8) ,centrocaecal scotoma in 17% (5) & low reliability in 10%(3) .VEP amplitude was reduced in 87% (26). MRI showed enhancement of optic chiasma in 40 % (12).After discontinuing & replacing ethambutol with vitamin B & Zinc supplements,53%(16) had visual improvement on 1 month follow up.

With the increased duration of Ethambutol in the ATT regimen, the incidence of EON has drastically risen.Routine follow up for patients on ATT is mandatory.Further studies are required to determine whether the duration or genetic factors predispose patients to EON. Early diagnosis of EON is needed & timely replacement of the drug with alternative is needed for good visual recovery.

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