[11 cases of neuropathy induced by almitrine, of which one had optic neuropathy].

The only etiologic factor retained in 11 patients with sensory or sensory-motor neuropathy was almitrine therapy. In one patient there was in addition an optic neuropathy. The reduction in visual acuity in this patient coincided with the onset of the sensory-motor neuropathy of lower limbs after treatment with 100 mg/day of almitrine over a 2-year period. No other metabolic, inflammatory, toxic, vascular or immunologic cause was found. There was a moderate chronic respiratory insufficiency. Visual recuperation started one month after the arrest of almitrine treatment and was satisfactory 7 months later. The other 10 patients had neuropathy of limbs without visual disorders. Neuromuscular biopsy in one case showed lesions to be of the axonal type.