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Case Reports
. 2018 Dec 15;57(24):3611-3613.
doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1344-18. Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Is Severe and Long-lasting Linezolid-induced Optic Neuropathy Reversible?

Seul Lee  1 , Bo Hyoung Kang  1 , Won Yeol Ryu  2 , Soo Jung Um  1 , Mee Sook Roh  3 , Choonhee Son  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Is Severe and Long-lasting Linezolid-induced Optic Neuropathy Reversible?

Seul Lee et al. Intern Med. .

Abstract

Linezolid is a useful drug for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, the associated toxicities, especially optic neuritis, are a major obstacle for its long-term use. We recently experienced a case of severe optic and peripheral neuropathy during the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The treatment continued for 12 months despite severe optic and peripheral neuropathy. At eight months after the discontinuation of the drug, the optic neuropathy recovered, but the peripheral neuropathy did not. Considering the grave prognosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis, the continuation of linezolid despite neurotoxicity under close observation may be a suitable option.

Keywords: MDR-TB; linezolid; neuropathy.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
A fundus examination revealed mild optic disc swelling in both eyes.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
The serial examination of the visual field showed central scotoma (A) after taking linezolid for four months. It worsened after taking linezolid for 6 months (B) and recovered after discontinuing linezolid for 3 months (C), although treatment was maintained for 12 months despite optic and peripheral neuropathy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Neuroophthalmologie.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] Ophthalmologe. 2019 Dec;116(12):1134-1135. doi: 10.1007/s00347-019-00992-8. Ophthalmologe. 2019. PMID: 31797115 German. No abstract available.

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