Sumru Onal1, Haluk Kazokoglu, Aylin Koc, Sule Yavuz. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Uveitis Service, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. sumruo md@yahoo.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: The authors report a case of necrotizing scleritis associated with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), which was treated with rituximab for relapsing disease. METHOD: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 32-year-old male patient presented with necrotizing scleritis in his left eye. The patient was diagnosed as having limited WG. Cyclophosphamide was begun. Under maintenance treatment with azathioprine two relapses of scleritis occurred. Since a high cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide (22.5 g) was utilized initially, two intravenous infusions of rituximab 1 g was given. Complete resolution of scleritis occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab may be effective to induce remission in patients with scleritis due to WG.
PURPOSE: The authors report a case of necrotizing scleritis associated with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), which was treated with rituximab for relapsing disease. METHOD: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 32-year-old male patient presented with necrotizing scleritis in his left eye. The patient was diagnosed as having limited WG. Cyclophosphamide was begun. Under maintenance treatment with azathioprine two relapses of scleritis occurred. Since a high cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide (22.5 g) was utilized initially, two intravenous infusions of rituximab 1 g was given. Complete resolution of scleritis occurred. CONCLUSIONS:Rituximab may be effective to induce remission in patients with scleritis due to WG.
Authors: Tania Sales de Alencar de Fidelix; Luis Antonio Vieira; Denise de Freitas; Virginia Fernandes Moça Trevisani Journal: Int Ophthalmol Date: 2015-08-29 Impact factor: 2.031