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Case Reports
. 2004 Sep-Dec;19(3-4):105-6.
doi: 10.1080/08820530490882292.

Transient visual loss after amyl Isobutyl nitrite abuse

Alfredo Pece  1 , Fabio Patelli, Paolo Milani, Luisa Pierro
Affiliations
Case Reports

Transient visual loss after amyl Isobutyl nitrite abuse

Alfredo Pece et al. Semin Ophthalmol. 2004 Sep-Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: To report retinal alterations after Isobutyl nitrite (popper) inhalation.

Methods: Case Report.

Results: A 30-year-old man presented a sudden visual decrease following the use of Isobutyl nitrite (popper) while he was at a discotheque. His visual acuity (VA) was 20/50 in the right eye (RE) and 20/63 in the left eye (LE). Ophthalmoscopy revealed symmetric alteration of the foveal reflex with a small yellowish-white spot in the foveal area, much more evident in the RE. Fluorescein angiography and OCT were normal. Visual field showed a mild reduction of central differential light sensitivity. A progressive recovery was noted and at one month's follow-up VA was 20/25 in OU with very faint yellowish-white spots.

Conclusions: The inhalation of drugs as "popper" may cause a visual loss by unclear mechanisms.

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