Rituximab and Acute Retinal Necrosis in a Patient with Scleromalacia and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Rituximab is a widely used biologic agent, which has shown favourable results in the treatment of vasculitis. But immunosuppressive treatment also bears the risk of severe complications. Methods: A patient with rheumatoid arthritis, progressive scleromalacia, and acute retinal necrosis on therapy with rituximab is reported. Results: For the first time, a correlation between rituximab and acute retinal necrosis in a patient with progressive rheumatoid scleromalacia is shown. Conclusions: Although rituximab is a promising biologic agent for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, it bears the risk of reactivation of viral infections, including the onset of acute retinal necrosis.