Macular oedema following rituximab infusion in two patients with Wegener's granulomatosis

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2010 Jan-Feb;28(1 Suppl 57):90-2.

Abstract

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody now widely used to treat autoimmune diseases, has been reported to be effective against refractory Wegener's granulomatosis and its ophthalmic involvement. Herein, we report on 2 patients with refractory Wegener's granulomatosis and scleritis in whom cystoid macular oedema occurred several weeks after rituximab infusions. Notably, scleritis had already resolved when macular oedema was diagnosed. One patient's macular oedema was successfully treated with a subtenon injection of triamcinolone but recurred soon after she received a second cycle of rituximab as maintenance therapy. To our knowledge, to date no ophthalmic side effect has been reported after rituximab administration. The short time between each rituximab infusion and the onset of cystoid macular oedema strongly suggests a causal link.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Female
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects*
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Macular Edema / chemically induced*
  • Macular Edema / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Rituximab
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab