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Abstract #5337 Published in IGR 1-2
Acute angle closure glaucoma precipitated by intranasal application of cocaine
Hari CK; Roblin DG; Clayton MI; Nair RGJournal of Laryngology and Otology 1999; 113: 250-251
We describe a patient who developed acute angle-closure glaucoma following the application of topical intranasal cocaine. A 46-year-old woman underwent an elective antral washout under general anesthesia and with local application of 25 per cent cocaine paste to the nasal mucosa. Twenty-four hours postoperatively the patient developed sudden painful blindness which was found to be due to acute glaucoma. Cocaine with its indirect sympathomimetic activity causes mydriasis, that can precipitate acute angle-closure glaucoma in predisposed individuals with a shallow anterior chamber. Although the incidence is rare, otolaryngologists need to be aware of this potential complication.
C.K. Hari, Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Gwent; UK
Classification:
9.3.1 Acute primary angle closure glaucoma (pupillary block) (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.3 Primary angle closure glaucomas)
