Optic Neuritis due to Use of Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide: A Case Report

Abstract

Neuroophthalmic involvement may occur in people infected with primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to the infection itself, opportunistic infections, malignancy or due to vascular causes. However, treatment-related optic neuropathy may be considered in patients receiving Antiretroviral therapy (ART), without an identified etiological cause, despite all examinations. In this case report, a near-complete recovery was observed in vision loss of a patient, whose 4-month treatment regimen of elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/FTC/TAF) was replaced with a combination of tenofovir disoproxil + emtricitabine and lopinavir+ritonavir due to the development of optic neuritis. Recognition of the present symptoms rapidly and the implementation of the necessary change is extremely important for preventing permanent damage in these patients.