Rituximab for remission induction in a patient with relapsing necrotizing scleritis associated with limited Wegener's granulomatosis.
OBJECTIVE
The authors report a case of necrotizing scleritis associated with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), which was treated with rituximab for relapsing disease.


METHODS
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.
Onal
Sumru
S
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Uveitis Service, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. sumruo md@yahoo.com
Kazokoglu
Haluk
H
Koc
Aylin
A
Yavuz
Sule
S
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D000069283:Rituximab; D015423:Scleritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000069283:Rituximab; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D001379:Azathioprine