Transient Monocular Blindness Associated with Sexual Intercourse

Abstract

To the Editor: Vasospasm has recently been reconsidered as a possible cause of amaurosis fugax.1–3 Vasospasm was suspected in patients with recurrent episodes of visual loss that could not be attributed to an embolic source, carotid stenosis, hypercoagulability, or vasculitis, and that was not relieved by aspirin, anticoagulation, or steroids. Such patients typically have immediate cessation of amaurotic attacks when treated with the calcium-channel blockers nifedipine or verapamil. Their medical histories often included atherosclerosis, migraine, or ailments related to autoimmunity, suggesting that these factors might precipitate vasoconstriction. We report on a patient with recurrent amaurosis fugax responsive to nifedipine. © 1995, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.