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Intravitreal Rituximab-Associated Retinal Occlusive Vasculitis
Mark A McAllister1, Spencer M Moore1, April E Harris1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases
|April 3, 2023
Summary
Intravitreal rituximab injections for intraocular lymphoma can cause vision loss due to severe uveitis and retinal vasculitis. This rare complication requires clinical awareness to prevent treatment-induced vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Intraocular lymphoma is a rare malignancy affecting the eye.
- Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used in treating various cancers and autoimmune diseases.
- Intravitreal injections are a route of administration for ocular medications.
Observation:
- A 90-year-old patient presented with progressive vision loss and floaters in the left eye.
- The patient had a history of intraocular lymphoma treated with intravitreal rituximab.
- Ocular examination revealed severe granulomatous uveitis and retinal occlusive vasculitis.
Findings:
- The patient experienced significant vision loss, with visual acuity reduced to hand motions.
- Retinal occlusive vasculopathy was diagnosed as a complication of intravitreal rituximab.
- This represents a rare adverse event associated with this treatment modality.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be aware of the potential for ocular complications, including vasculitis, following intravitreal rituximab.
- Early recognition and management are crucial to mitigate treatment-induced vision loss.
- Further research into the inflammatory risks of intravitreal rituximab is warranted.
