Rituximab as a treatment option for refractory endogenous anterior uveitis.
BACKGROUND
To report on anti-CD20 antibody therapy in a patient with uveitis refractive to immunosuppression therapy.


METHODS
Case report with ophthalmoscopic, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein-angiographic findings.


RESULTS
A 49-year-old woman was suffering from bilateral, noninfectious chronic anterior uveitis refractive to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Bilateral visual acuity was 20/100 due to cataract and cystoid macular edema (CME). After treatment with rituximab, vision and CME improved, and uveitis was stable until the final visit (follow-up at 12 months).


CONCLUSIONS
The case report suggests that rituximab may be helpful for selected patients with chronic anterior uveitis refractive to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medication.
Tappeiner
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C
Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany.
Heinz
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C
Specker
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C
Heiligenhaus
A
A
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D000069283:Rituximab; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014606:Uveitis, Anterior / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab