Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis in a Young Lady with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Post Rituximab Infusion-A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Aim

We report a new ocular finding of episcleritis (OD) and peripheral ulcerative keratitis (OS) in a 40-year-old lady with a 13-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 3 weeks post-rituximab infusion.

Materials & Methods

Retrospective case report.

Results

A 40-year-old lady with a history of SLE and 3 weeks post rituximab infusion developed a new onset episcleritis (OD) and peripheral ulcerative keratitis (OS). As the PUK continued to advance with a leading edge, intravenous methyl prednisolone 1 gm/day was given for 3 days followed by a slow tapering course of oral prednisolone 50 mg/day. Though her ocular inflammation resolved, she developed pneumonia 6 weeks later. At 10 months follow-up, there were no ocular recurrences. She is currently on mycophenolate mofetil 2 gm/day along with oral prednisolone of 10 mg/day.

Conclusion

This case highlights the new occurrence of episcleritis and PUK in SLE post-rituximab infusion.

KEYWORDS:

• SLE
• rituximab
• biologics
• peripheral ulcerative keratitis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

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