Retinal detachment from inadvertent intraocular injection of botulinum toxin A.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To report a case of inadvertent intraocular injection of botulinum toxin A (Botox, BTA) resulting in a retinal tear and bullous retinal detachment. The retinal detachment resolved spontaneously, and the tear was treated with laser demarcation with good visual outcome.

DESIGN:

Interventional case report.

METHODS:

A 36-year-old woman underwent Botox injections for paralytic esotropia and developed ocular perforation. Dilated fundus examination showed a slit-like retinal tear infranasally with a bullous retinal detachment nasally.

RESULTS:

The retinal detachment spontaneously resolved, and the patient was treated with laser demarcation on the following day. After 2 more days, her vision returned to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS:

Botox did not appear toxic to human intraocular tissues. Close observation may be indicated in the event of an inadvertent intraocular Botox injection.

• Authors: Mimi Liu, Henry C Lee, Richard W Hertle, Allen C Ho
• Journal: American journal of ophthalmology (Am J Ophthalmol) Vol. 137 Issue 1 Pg. 201-2 (Jan 2004) ISSN: 0002-9394 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14700677 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Neuromuscular Agents
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• Adult
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A (therapeutic use)
• Esotropia (drug therapy)
• Eye Injuries, Penetrating (etiology, physiopathology, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections (adverse effects)
• Laser Coagulation
• Needlestick Injuries (etiology, physiopathology, surgery)
• Neuromuscular Agents (therapeutic use)
• Oculomotor Muscles (drug effects)
• Retina (drug effects, injuries, physiopathology)
• Retinal Detachment (etiology, physiopathology, surgery)
• Retinal Perforations (etiology)
• Sclera (injuries)
• Visual Acuity