title: Probable diffuse retinopathy caused by adalimumab in a patient with Crohn's disease.
abstract: Adalimumab is a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antagonist used to treat several immunologic diseases. It is believed that unexpected adverse events related to anti-TNF drugs will occur as administration of this drug becomes more widespread. We report the case of a 37-year-old woman who complained of nonspecific abnormalities of vision in both eyes one month after beginning treatment with adalimumab for Crohn's disease. The results of the initial ophthalmologic examination were normal. The visual fields showed diffuse and severe depression in both eyes. Other diseases that could have caused the visual field defects were ruled out. The results of electrophysiological tests were compatible with diffuse bilateral retinopathy. Treatment with adalimumab was discontinued. Six months later, visual field loss persists, although it has improved slightly. To our knowledge, this is the first report of diffuse retinopathy probable caused by systemic administration of adalimumab. This form of retinal toxicity should be considered in patients with disorders of vision treated with this drug.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IP), Madrid, Spain. paulamarticorenaalvarez@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marticorena-Álvarez
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chaparro
authors.forename: Andrés
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pérez-Casas
authors.forename: Aurora
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Muriel-Herrero
authors.forename: Javier P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Gisbert
mesh_terms: D000068879:Adalimumab; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068879:Adalimumab