Erdheim–Chester disease and vemurafenib: a review of ophthalmic presentations and clinical outcomes

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To provide a comprehensive review of ocular and orbital manifestations of Erdheim–Chester Disease (ECD) and compare clinical outcomes with vemurafenib (INN) to historical treatments (HT). Primary outcomes are ophthalmic findings on presentation, changes in visual acuity, and mortality rate. Secondary outcomes include the progression of ocular findings, systemic involvements, and treatment modalities.

Methods

All published literature from January 1983 to March 2021 was searched for ophthalmic manifestations of ECD. Clinical outcomes following HT were collected and compared with INN.

Results

Forty-seven patients with ECD and ophthalmic presentations were identified. The mean age was 49.6 years (SD = 15.0). Proptosis (65.6%) and extraocular muscle restrictions (42.5%) were the most common presenting signs. Of 41 (87.2%) patients with orbital masses on radiologic examination, 90.2% were bilateral, and 53.7% were located in the intraconal space. Ophthalmic examination was significant for xanthelasma (27.2%), optic disc edema (34.0%), and subretinal changes (21.3%). Common treatments were systemic steroids (76.6%), interferon-α (17.0%), and cyclophosphamide (14.9%). INN was less commonly used (12.8%). The mean change in logMAR visual acuity declined with HT (29.9%) but improved with INN (79.1%) (p > 0.05). The proportion of eyes with complete vision loss increased after HT (p < 0.05). The overall mortality rate was 27.7% and notably higher in the HT group (29.3%) when compared to the INN group (16.7%) (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

ECD presents with many ophthalmic manifestations. Although the intraocular treatments remain controversial, INN should be highly considered in treating orbital ECD patients with BRAF-V600E mutations to prevent and reverse vision loss.

KEYWORDS:

• Erdheim–Chester disease
• orbital Erdheim–Chester disease
• vemurafenib

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, ALK, upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.