Peyronie's disease and Dupuytren's contracture secondary to topical timolol.

BACKGROUND

Topical beta-blockers are a proven and safe medication used in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Local and systemic side effects are, however, well documented. Systemic side effects can include severe cardio-respiratory impairment, endocrine dysfunction, as well as headache and hyper-somnolence. Disorders involving fibrosis such as Peyronie's disease, Dupuytren's contracture, and retroperitoneal fibrosis are rarely described in the literature.

METHODS

We describe a case of a 55-year-old male patient undergoing treatment for ocular hypertension with topical timolol 0.25% to both eyes, who subsequently developed both Peyronie's disease and Dupuytren's contracture. To our knowledge, this is the first case of Dupuytren's contracture secondary to the use of topical timolol.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst uncommon, beta-blockers are known to be associated with such fibrotic conditions and have been reported with the use of topical timolol. This case serves to increase the current understanding of this association.