Retinal Hemorrhage Associated with Viagra (sildenafil citrate)

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Viagra(sildenafil citrate) is a new oral medication that selectively inhibits phsphodiestarase-5(PDE5) in the corpus cavernosum to facilitate penile erection for the treatment for male impotence. We report a case of retinal hemorrhage associated with Viagra intake. METHOD: A 71-year-old male without known systemic disease visited with suddenly decreased visual acuity of 4 days duration in the Rt. eye. He intermittenly took 2 tablets of Viagra(50 mg) during 2 months and the symptom occurred 2 days after his last taking of Viagra. His corrected visual acuity was 0.3 in the Rt. eye and 1.0 in the Lt. eye. Several ophthalmologic examination was performed. RESULTS: Fundus exam revealed multiple dot hemorrhage with corresponding block fluorescence in the superior area of macula and superotemporal area of posterior pole. Inferonasal area visual field defect was detected by Goldmann perimetry and ERG finding was decreased maximal scotopic b wave ampitude. Ten weeks later, retinal hemorrhage was almost absorbed, but visual field defect and visual acuity did not improve.