J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2024 Sep;65(9):644-649. 10.3341/jkos.2024.65.9.644.

Alitretinoin-induced Pseudotumor Cerebri: A Case Report

• Kwon JS
• Yum HR

• KMID: 2559023
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2024.65.9.644

Abstract

Purpose
We present a case of alitretinoin-induced pseudotumor cerebri.
Case summary
A 28-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of bilateral papilledema and intermittent blurred vision in the left eye. She had been taking alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid, Alitoc^Ⓡ; GlaxoSmithKline) for atopic dermatitis and hand eczema. Although visual acuity remained intact in both eyes, mild central scotoma was detected bilaterally. Optical coherence tomography revealed increased retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in both eyes. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed no abnormalities except for bilateral flattening of the posterior sclera. Cerebrospinal fluid exhibited an elevated opening pressure (220 mmH₂O) and a normal composition. Following the discontinuation of alitretinoin, the intermittent blurred vision, papilledema, and central scotoma improved significantly within 2 months.
Conclusions
Alitretinoin use should be monitored carefully for a potential development of pseudotumor cerebri, particularly in patients with pre-existing risk factors.mmH2O) and a normal composition. Following

Keyword

Alitretinoin, Papilledema, Pseudotumor cerebri, Vitamin A, 9-cis-retinoic acid