Preferential Hyperacuity Perimetry to detect hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity

Retina. 2009 Sep;29(8):1188-92. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0b013e3181a3b8d4.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if Preferential Hyperacuity Perimetry (PHP) testing can detect the presence of retinal toxicity due to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or chloroquine administration.

Methods: Fifteen patients were divided into three groups. Five patients had confirmed HCQ or chloroquine toxicity, five patients had suspected HCQ toxicity, and five patients had history of long-term use of HCQ or chloroquine but no evidence of toxicity. All patients underwent PHP testing.

Results: All patients with either known or suspected toxicity based upon standardized visual field testing and/or fluorescein angiography demonstrated significant hyperacuity defects on PHP testing. None of the patients on long-term HCQ therapy, without clinical suspicion of toxicity, demonstrated a PHP hyperacuity defect.

Conclusion: Results of this pilot study with patients with known or suspected HCQ or chloroquine toxicity suggest that PHP may be a useful adjunct for testing of patients suspicious for toxicity due to these medications. Further testing is warranted.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arthritis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Retina / drug effects
  • Retinal Diseases / chemically induced
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Visual Field Tests / methods*

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine