Sildenafil Associated Pupil-Sparing Third Nerve Palsy

Abstract

Purpose: We present, to our knowledge, the second case report of pupil-sparing third nerve palsy following the use of sildenafil citrate in a man with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Case: A 44-year-old man with IDDM for 25 years developed a pupil-sparing third nerve palsy within 12 hours after 50 mg of sildenafil intake. During this attack, HBA1c levels were elevated. Third nerve palsy recovered completely in 10 weeks following blood glucose level regulation. Conclusion: Sildenafil citrate may provoke pupil-sparing third nerve palsy in patients with systemic vascular diseases.

KEYWORDS:

• pupil-sparing third nerve palsy
• sildenafil citrate
• Viagra