Intraocular deposits and cataracts after long-term rifabutin intake: A case report

Rifabutin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic known to cause deposits on the corneal endothelium and lens. We report a patient in whom cataracts developed and progressive pigment deposits were seen on the corneal endothelium, lens, and iridocorneal angle.

The patient was a 45-year-old woman who had been received long-term treatment with a combination of various anti-mycobacterial drugs for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis starting in 2004. Rifabutin was started in 2009, and she was referred to our department in 2017 for detailed ophthalmological examination.

Both eyes showed pigmented deposits over the entire corneal endothelium, the entire periphery of the iridocorneal angle, and the anterior surface of the lens. Mild cataracts were also diagnosed bilaterally. Pigment deposits on the anterior surface of the lens and the cataracts in both eyes gradually progressed. These lesions were assumed to be associated with long term rifabutin intake.

Rifabutin intake was discontinued after progression of intraocular deposits, cataracts, and ERG deterioration.

Visual acuity improved, although cataracts, deposits, and ERG deterioration remained.

Rifabutin may induce not only corneal endothelial deposits, but also cataracts and iridocorneal angle deposits.