FP1360 : Bilateral optic atrophy in a young male with alopecia and painful peripheral neuropathy

Dr.VIDHYA, Dr.Shikha Talwar Bassi, Dr.DURGA PRIYADARSHINI

Aim: To report a Case of bilateral optic atrophy in a young male caused by heavy metal toxicity.

Method: A Case report

Results: A 31-year-old male presented with decrease in vision in both eyes along for the past 6 months. He had history of occupational exposure to heavy metals. His best corrected visual acuity was 2/60 in both eyes. The loss in vision was preceded by diffuse hair loss from scalp and painful tingling with numbness in peripheries of his limbs. Fundus examination revealed bilateral pale disc. His blood thallium levels were detected to be high. Thallium toxicity is associated with a typical triad of alopecia, painful peripheral neuropathy and optic atrophy. Thallium is a tasteless, colorless and odourless heavy metal which is an ideal homicidal and a suicidal poison.

Conclusion: The typical clinical triad of alopecia, painful peripheral neuropathy and optic atrophy must encourage clinicians to rule out thallium toxicity.