A patient treated with tamoxifen may develop a retinopathy. Morphologic changes in the retina may be overlooked unless carefully looked for.
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator.
The patient may be asymptomatic or may have decreased visual acuity or metamorphopsia.
Features of tamoxifen retinopathy:
(1) refractile crystalline deposits
(2) pseudocystic foveal cavitation (or photoreceptor layer disruption)
(3) telangiectasia of the deep capillary plexus
Involvement may be unilateral or bilateral.
The diagnosis requires exclusion of alternative diagnoses.
Risk factors:
(1) hyperlipidemia
(2) higher body mass index (>= 25 kg per sq m)
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology
