Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of Efavirenz-induced macular toxicity

Abstract

Efavirenz (EFV), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is commonly used to treat HIV-infected individuals. We report a case of painless, progressive and bilateral blurring of vision in an HIV-positive 54-year-old lady within months of treatment with anti-retro viral therapy including Efavirenz. On presentation, her visual acuity was 6/18; N24 and 6/9; N10 in both eyes with mottling of the retinal pigment epithelial at the macula with corresponding scotomas on HVF 30-2 and loss of ellipsoid layer on spectral domain optical coherence topography (OCT). Though full field ERG was normal, multifocal ERG revealed reduced foveal and parafoveal amplitudes. Our case emphasizes the need of periodic ocular examination of these patients on long-term EFV.