Cortical blindness as a manifestation of hypomagnesemia secondary to cisplatin therapy: case report and review of literature.

Abstract

Cisplatin is widely used in the treatment of solid tumors and is known to have a number of side effects including hypomagnesemia. We present a case report of a patient with a Stage IIA carcinoma of the cervix who initially was treated with radiotherapy and cisplatin and subsequently presented with sudden onset of blindness. The diagnosis was uncertain but the possibility of functional blindness was considered. Serum magnesium was low. Correction of this electrolyte abnormality resolved this profound visual symptom. This case emphasizes the importance of serially observing cisplatin-treated patients for the possible development of the clinical syndrome of magnesium deficiency.

• Authors: T Al-Tweigeri, A M Magliocco, J F DeCoteau
• Journal: Gynecologic oncology (Gynecol Oncol) Vol. 72 Issue 1 Pg. 120-2 (Jan 1999) ISSN: 0090-8258 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9889044 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Magnesium
• Cisplatin

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Blindness, Cortical (chemically induced)
• Cisplatin (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Magnesium (blood)
• Middle Aged
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms (drug therapy)