Acetazolamide therapy in a case of fingolimod-associated macular edema: early benefits and long-term limitations

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2015 Sep;4(5):406-408. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.06.015. Epub 2015 Jul 2.

Abstract

Fingolimod is a potent drug in relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Visual impairment due to fingolimod-associated macular edema (FAME) usually leads to discontinuation of fingolimod therapy.

Methods: We report on a 24-year old woman with bilateral FAME.

Results: We continued fingolimod and added oral acetazolamide, which led to recovery of visual acuity and regression of macular edema. However, fingolimod had to be discontinued when fluorescein angiography revealed an enlarged foveal avascular zone.

Discussion and conclusion: Oral acetazolamide might be a treatment option for FAME, while ischemic conversion may be limiting. Ophthalmologic assessments are mandatory for follow-up when fingolimod therapy is continued after onset of FAME.

Keywords: Acetazolamide; Fingolimod; Macular edema; Multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetazolamide / administration & dosage*
  • Administration, Oral
  • Female
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride / adverse effects*
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride / therapeutic use
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Macular Edema / chemically induced*
  • Macular Edema / drug therapy*
  • Macular Edema / pathology
  • Macular Edema / physiopathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / physiopathology
  • Optic Neuritis / drug therapy
  • Optic Neuritis / pathology
  • Optic Neuritis / physiopathology
  • Visual Acuity
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Acetazolamide