Disulfiram-induced Bilateral Optic Disc Oedema with Disc-Related Visual Field Loss and Sparing of Central Vision

Abstract

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is a synthetic compound used in the treatment of chronic alcohol addiction. Bilateral retrobulbar optic neuropathy with visual loss has been reported in patients receiving disulfiram. We describe the case of a 37-year-old man with bilateral optic disc oedema occurring after beginning a regimen of disulfiram. There were visual field defects as seen with local disease of the optic disc but not central visual loss as occurs typically in toxic optic neuropathy. Optic disc oedema improved promptly after discontinuation of the drug. After excluding all other causes of bilaterally swollen optic discs, ophthalmologists should be aware of this rare adverse effect of disulfiram in chronic alcoholics who develop bilateral optic disc oedema.

Keywords:

• Disulfiram (Antabuse)
• optic disc oedema
• visual field defects