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). Conclusion: The case report suggests that rituximab may be helpful for selected patients with chronic anterior uveitis refractive to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medication. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.