Epstein-Barr virus uveitis after intravitreal triamcinolone injection

  • Jessica Ong Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
  • Josephine Richards Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
Keywords: Epstein-barr virus, panuveitis, triamcinolone, uveitis

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) uveitis after intravitreal triamcinolone injection.

Methods: Observational case report.

Results: A 66-year-old male presented with bilateral intermediate uveitis, left macular branch retinal vein occlusion, and left macular edema 3 months following acute infectious mononucleosis. He received systemic prednisolone, methotrexate, and intravitreal bevacizumab with partial response. Intravitreal triamcinolone was given for recurrent macular edema, which led to the development of severe panuveitis with positive EBV PCR in aqueous humour. This was successfully treated with high-dose systemic valaciclovir and topical prednisolone.

Conclusion: Non-infectious uveitis may become infectious following intravitreal steroid administration triggering intraocular viral replication. Intraocular fluid should be tested in cases which are suspicious for infection and EBV should be considered a differential diagnosis, particularly if PCR is negative for more common viral etiologies.

References

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Groen-Hakan F, Van Der Eijk AA, Rothova A. The Usefulness of Aqueous Fluid Analysis for Epstein-Barr Virus in Patients with Uveitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1080/09273948.2018.1543709.

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Published
2021-04-16
How to Cite
Ong, J., & Richards, J. (2021). Epstein-Barr virus uveitis after intravitreal triamcinolone injection. Asian Journal of Ophthalmology, 17(4), 416-419. https://doi.org/10.35119/asjoo.v17i4.616
Section
Case Reports/Case Series