Acute Deferoxamine-Induced Retinopathy

Purpose: To report a case of acute retinopathy in a 65-year-old woman secondary to the administration of only five subcutaneous infusions of deferoxamine. Methods: Clinical findings and multimodal imaging (color fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence) in a patient with acute deferoxamine-induced retinopathy. Results: The patient developed retinal toxicity after only five cycles of standard-dose subcutaneous deferoxamine. Immediate drug discontinuation was recommended, and the patient was re-examined six weeks later with a functional and anatomical improvement. Conclusions and importance : This case highlighted the risk of deferoxamine-induced retinopathy, even after a very short subcutaneous administration at a standard dose. Early detection is essential, as immediate treatment discontinuation allows a good visual recovery in most cases.