The outcome of pseudotumor cerebri induced by tetracycline therapy

Acta Neurol Scand. 2004 Dec;110(6):408-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2004.00327.x.

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the association between tetracycline treatment and pseudotumor cerebri (PTC).

Methods: Consecutive patients from two neuro-ophthalmic referral centers, who developed PTC syndrome post-treatment with tetracycline, were enrolled and followed for a minimum of 2 years after cessation of tetracycline.

Results: A total of 243 consecutive patients were diagnosed with PTC; 18 had concurrent history of tetracycline treatment; a third experienced a limited course of illness with no relapses; 12 had a variable course with a prolonged relapsing illness. Mean duration of tetracycline treatment prior to diagnosis was 2.73 months.

Conclusions: Tetracycline, and especially minocycline, is currently considered a cause or a precipitating factor for PTC. Although there is little information on the natural course of tetracycline induced PTC, the present cases demonstrate that drug withdrawal is curative only in some patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Minocycline / administration & dosage
  • Minocycline / adverse effects*
  • Prognosis
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / chemically induced*
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / pathology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Tetracycline / administration & dosage
  • Tetracycline / adverse effects*
  • Vision Disorders / etiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Tetracycline
  • Minocycline