Cystoid macular edema associated with acitretin.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a common endpoint for retinal damage from diverse causes.
• Known associations include vascular, inflammatory, inherited, and tractional retinal conditions, as well as surgery and certain medications.

Observation:

• A 65-year-old woman developed CME.
• The patient was undergoing treatment with acitretin.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a previously unreported association between acitretin use and the development of CME.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed the presence of CME and documented its resolution following discontinuation of acitretin.

Implications:

• This finding expands the known side effects of acitretin, particularly concerning ocular health.
• Ophthalmologists should consider acitretin as a potential cause of CME in patients presenting with characteristic macular changes.
• OCT is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring drug-induced CME.