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Primed Mycobacterial Uveitis (PMU) as a Model for Post-Infectious Uveitis
Published on: December 17, 2021
A case report: zoledronic acid-induced anterior uveitis
Saadettin Kilickap1, Yasemin Ozdamar, M Kadri Altundag
1Department of Oncology, Hacettepe University Institute of Oncology, 06100-Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey. skilickap@yahoo.com
Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|May 20, 2008
Summary
Zoledronic acid, used to treat bone metastases, can rarely cause anterior uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition. Prompt treatment with steroids led to complete symptom resolution in a breast cancer patient.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bisphosphonates, including zoledronic acid, inhibit osteoclast activity to prevent bone loss.
- Zoledronic acid is a standard treatment for bone metastases in breast, prostate, and lung cancers.
Observation:
- A breast cancer patient developed acute anterior uveitis 24 hours after zoledronic acid infusion.
- Symptoms included eye pain, visual loss, redness, and eyelid swelling.
- Anterior segment examination revealed corneal precipitates, ciliary injection, and anterior chamber inflammation.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with anterior uveitis and treated with topical corticosteroids.
- Symptoms resolved completely within one week of treatment.
- The Naranjo scale suggested a probable link between zoledronic acid and the observed uveitis.
Implications:
- Uveitis is a rare but serious potential complication of zoledronic acid therapy.
- The exact mechanism is unknown, but inflammatory cytokines may be involved.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent ocular damage from zoledronic acid-induced uveitis.
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