Tacrolimus Optic Neuropathy

Abstract

Background: Tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf) is a potent immunosuppressant, which inhibits cytokine synthesis and blocks T-cell development. Optic neuropathy from tacrolimus toxicity is very uncommon but, when present, can result in severe vision loss.

Methods: Case series and review of the literature.

Results: We present 3 patients with tacrolimus optic neuropathy after bone marrow transplantation complicated by graft-vs-host disease and demonstrate the differing clinical and radiologic presentation of this presumed toxic optic neuropathy.

Conclusions: Tacrolimus optic neuropathy can manifest in a multitude of clinical presentations and can have devastating visual consequences.