Retinal vasculitis following intravitreal pegcetacoplan administration
Stella Douros1,2, David Mostafavi2,3, Mary Danias4
1Stella Douros, M.D., P.C., Brooklyn, NY, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
|February 1, 2024
Summary
A patient developed retinal vasculitis after intravitreal pegcetacoplan for geographic atrophy. Steroid treatment was initiated to manage inflammation and prevent vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Vascular Disorders
Background:
- Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration.
- Intravitreal therapies are used to manage GA, but potential side effects require monitoring.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old woman experienced decreased vision, lid edema, and conjunctivitis 11 days post-intravitreal pegcetacoplan injection for GA.
- Fundus examination revealed retinal hemorrhages and signs of vasculitis, progressing to hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage.
- Infectious and inflammatory workups were negative, suggesting a reaction to the treatment.
Findings:
- The case presents retinal vaso-occlusive vasculitis potentially linked to intravitreal pegcetacoplan.
- Delayed hypersensitivity to pegcetacoplan was suspected as the cause of the adverse event.
- The patient's condition was treated with a comprehensive steroid regimen.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious adverse event following intravitreal pegcetacoplan administration.
- Prompt recognition and aggressive steroid therapy are crucial for managing such inflammatory complications.
- Further investigation into the immunogenicity of pegcetacoplan may be warranted.
