Methylene dianilene: a new toxic cause of visual failure with hepatitis.

A 28-year-old man ingested methylene dianilene in potassium carbonate and gamma-butyrolactone. He developed toxic optic neuritis, with severe visual dysfunction (not previously reported in humans), prolonged toxic hepatitis, with disturbed liver-function tests 18 months after the incident, and other more transient effects. The course of his illness is described and the literature on methylene dianilene toxicity is reviewed.

Clinical and biochemical findings in Leber's hereditary optic atrophy.

Clinical findings in Leber's hereditary optic atrophy (LHOA) are reviewed and the results given of treatment with a regimen based on the hypothesis that the disease is a manifestation of cyanide toxicity. Recent biochemical investigations confirm disturbed cyanide metabolism and suggest that zinc deficiency may be implicated.