Bilateral Reversible Corneal Edema as a Novel Side-Effect of Levetiracetam – A Case Report

Kimberly Caruana,* Matthew Ellul,* Andre Grixti* Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Dei Hospital, Imsida, MSD, 2090, Malta*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Kimberly Caruana, Ophthalmology Outpatients, Mater Dei Hospital, Imsida, MSD, 2090, Malta, Email [email protected]: We present a case of levetiracetam-induced corneal edema. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of bilateral reversible corneal edema secondary to levetiracetam use.Patients and Methods: A 59-year-old woman was referred to the ophthalmology department with a few weeks’ history of bilateral blurring of vision. She is a known case of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, and she was started on levetiracetam by her neurologist a few weeks prior to referral in view of new seizure activity. Examination revealed bilateral clinically evident corneal edema, which was documented on corneal topography.Results: Upon levetiracetam dose reduction, symptoms started to improve and eventually the medication was stopped altogether. The patient’s vision and corneal edema normalized on follow-up.Conclusion: This novel side effect should be kept in mind when a patient who is on levetiracetam presents with corneal edema as this can avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.Keywords: blurred vision, corneal thickening, multiple sclerosis