Carboplatin-induced reversible ptosis

Neurological side effects have been reported with various chemotherapy drugs, especially platinum derivatives. Ptosis is one such complication which is rarely encountered. We report a case of ptosis and its complete recovery, which had a temporal relation to carboplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent. A 48-year-old male patient with colon cancer on carboplatin noticed drooping of the right eyelid after the second cycle of treatment, which worsened gradually in three weeks. Detailed ophthalmological and neurological evaluation was carried out, and no significant association was made. Onset of ptosis correlated with treatment of carboplatin and on reviewing existing literature available diagnosis was made. Over the course of four weeks, the ptosis gradually resolved completely once the carboplatin treatment cycle was completed without the need for surgical intervention. This case highlights the importance of identifying carboplatin as the cause of ptosis and the potential of platinum-based compounds leading to neurological effects. Prompt recognition can lead to complete resolution.