Amphotericin B induced ocular toxicity in cryptococcal meningitis

Abstract

We report a case of acute visual loss after a test dose (1 mg) of intravenous amphotericin B administered to a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and with cryptococcal meningitis. Her visual acuity was normal prior to the injection of amphotericin B. The meningitis subsequently responded to miconazole and flucytosine treatment. Our findings suggest that amphotericin B should be withheld in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis if disease of the optic nerve is strongly suspected.