Presentation type | E-poster |
Title | Reversible outer retinal disruption in a 43-year-old man following recreational drug use: a case of poppers retinopathy |
Purpose | To describe a case of reversible bilateral photoreceptor damage associated with recreational drug use, diagnosed as poppers retinopathy. |
Methods | A 43-year-old man presented with sudden bilateral blurry vision and ocular discomfort. Initial examination showed near-normal best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and no fundus abnormalities. Symptoms were initially managed as dry eye syndrome. Upon re-evaluation, detailed history revealed recent use of poppers. Multimodal imaging and functional testing were performed, including OCT, ERG, and visual fields. |
Results | Two weeks after the initial presentation, the BCVA declined to 0.6 bilaterally. OCT revealed subfoveal disruption of the ellipsoid zone in both eyes. ERG showed reduced amplitudes, consistent with outer retinal dysfunction. Visual fields and colour testing were normal. A diagnosis of poppers retinopathy was made based on clinical findings and history. Over the follow-up period, OCT findings improved gradually till they reached a normal appearance after four months. Visual acuity returned to 1.0 in both eyes without residual symptoms. |
Conclusion | Poppers retinopathy can present with vague symptoms and signs. This case illustrates the importance of thorough history-taking and multimodal imaging in cases of unexplained visual loss. Early identification and patient education are crucial, as anatomical and functional recovery is possible with cessation of exposure. |
Conflict of interest | No |
Initials | E |
Last name | Keytsman |
Department | UZ Brussel |
City | Jette |
Initials | S |
Last name | Ní Dhubhghaill |
Department | UZ Brussel |
City | Jette |
Initials | SA |
Last name | Salman |
Department | UZ Brussel |
City | Jette |