title: Choroidal neovascularization with interferon associated retinopathy: case report and review of literature.
abstract: We report a case of new interferon-associated ocular complication during treatment with combination of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C infection. Our patient developed choroidal neovascularization in addition to the classic interferon associated retinopathy. Choroidal neovascularization has not been reported before in association with interferon induced retinopathy. We describe our management to control the ocular symptoms and the retinal lesions with one year follow up. We also provide literature report on the natural history, the pathophysiology and the variable characteristics of interferon associated retinopathy versus hepatitis C related ophthalmopathy.
authors.affiliation: Hepatology Services, Division of Gastroenterology, Dalhousie University, and Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: Salem M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Bazarah
authors.forename: Rusty
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ritenour
authors.forename: Sunil T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Geri
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hirsch
authors.forename: Kevork M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Peltekian
authors.forename: Alan F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Cruess
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b