Very High-Frequency Ultrasonography Signs in Bilateral Acute Choroidal Effusion Associated with Systemic Sulphonamide Medications: 2 Cases

Sulphonamides are commonly used in medicine for several purposes; however, they can lead to significant adverse effects, including idiosyncratic reactions and choroidal detachment corresponding to a forward rotation of the iris-lens diaphragm; this could also evolve into acute transient myopia with possible acute angle closure glaucoma. The risk of such reactions to sulphonamides is approximately 3%. In our communication, we have reported on 2 cases involving patients who suffered choroidal detachments after starting sulphonamide treatments and who were diagnosed with the help of ultrasound biomicroscopy. Patient 1 was an 87-year-old male with bilateral pseudophakia who developed an acute change in vision in both eyes after he started taking chlorthalidone, a classic thiazide diuretic antihypertensive that is characterized by having a sulpha-based group. Patient 2 was a 42-year-old female who developed dramatic visual loss after beginning a new treatment (topiramate) for weight loss. We were able to successfully detect the choroidal detachments in these patients with ultrasound biomicroscopy, which aided us in quickly diagnosing the condition. Subsequently, the drugs were immediately discontinued, and appropriate treatment was administered resulting in the full recovery of both patients.