Tamoxifen keratopathy as seen with in-vivo confocal microscopy

Semin Ophthalmol. 2012 Jan-Mar;27(1-2):27-8. doi: 10.3109/08820538.2011.631510.

Abstract

Tamoxifen is a triphenylethylene non-steroidal oestrogen antagonist widely used in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, with well-documented ocular side-effects. Here we report a corneal confocal microscopy finding of a patient on low-dose tamoxifen. We believe that this is the first case report of a patient on low-dose tamoxifen with demonstrable corneal stromal crystalline deposits with confocal microscopy, but clinically asymptomatic with unremarkable corneal findings on cursory slit lamp examination. In summary, confocal microscopy is a useful adjunct in monitoring tamoxifen crystalline keratopathy, and helps detect subclinical deposits not visible/detected on slit lamp examination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Corneal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Corneal Stroma / pathology
  • Crystallization
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Tamoxifen / administration & dosage
  • Tamoxifen / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Tamoxifen