BACKGROUND: Interferon-associated retinopathy is a rare complication of interferon treatment. It has been well described with the use of interferon-α. METHODS: This study reports a retrospective case series of interferon-β-associated retinopathy in three patients that were being treated for multiple sclerosis. RESULTS: All cases were characterized by cotton-wool spots or peripheral microaneurysms. One central retinal artery occlusion was observed associated with interferon-β treatment. Findings improved spontaneously in two of three cases; all three patients elected to continue interferon treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients being treated with interferon-β should have periodic fundus examinations to determine if they have evidence of interferon-associated retinopathy.
BACKGROUND: Interferon-associated retinopathy is a rare complication of interferon treatment. It has been well described with the use of interferon-α. METHODS: This study reports a retrospective case series of interferon-β-associated retinopathy in three patients that were being treated for multiple sclerosis. RESULTS: All cases were characterized by cotton-wool spots or peripheral microaneurysms. One central retinal artery occlusion was observed associated with interferon-β treatment. Findings improved spontaneously in two of three cases; all three patients elected to continue interferon treatment. CONCLUSION:Patients being treated with interferon-β should have periodic fundus examinations to determine if they have evidence of interferon-associated retinopathy.
Authors: Lorenzo Gaetani; Paola S Menduno; Francesco Cometa; Maria Di Gregorio; Paola Sarchielli; Carlo Cagini; Paolo Calabresi; Massimiliano Di Filippo Journal: J Neurol Date: 2015-08-21 Impact factor: 4.849