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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Niclosamide | Case report

Presumed veterinary niclosamide-induced retinal toxicity in a human: a case report

Authors: Fatemeh Bazvand, Hamid Riazi-Esfahani, Farhad Salari

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

To report the first case of bull’s eye maculopathy associated with veterinary niclosamide.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old Iranian female presented with a history of reduced vision and photopsia since 3 years, after accidental ingestion of four boluses of veterinary niclosamide. Fundus examination showed atrophy in parafoveal retinal pigmentary epithelium, appearing as bilateral bull’s-eye maculopathy. Optical coherence tomography revealed disruption of the parafoveal ellipsoid zone and outer retinal thinning, appearing as a flying saucer sign. Electroretinography displayed decreased scotopic and photopic amplitudes with normal waveform in both eyes. The causality score was 4, showing “possible” retinopathy due to niclosamide according to Naranjo’s causality assessment algorithm. Based on clinical and ancillary findings, a diagnosis of niclosamide-induced maculopathy was made.

Conclusion

Veterinary niclosamide is an anthelmintic drug that in higher doses could be detrimental to the human retina. Awareness about its side effects and appropriate drug labeling could prevent accidental toxicity.
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Metadata
Title
Presumed veterinary niclosamide-induced retinal toxicity in a human: a case report
Authors
Fatemeh Bazvand
Hamid Riazi-Esfahani
Farhad Salari
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Niclosamide
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-023-03868-3

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