Macular edema might be a rare presentation of hydroxychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity

Taiwan J Ophthalmol. 2017 Jan-Mar;7(1):56-58. doi: 10.4103/tjo.tjo_26_17.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to report a rare case of macular edema as a presentation of hydroxychloroquine-related retinal toxicity. We presented a case of a 46-year-old female patient using hydroxychloroquine for underlying rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with blurred vision over the left eye. Uveitis and macular edema were found initially. Systemic survey did not reveal any other etiology. Topical corticosteroid was given under the impression of RA-related uveitis. The uveitis resolved 1 week later, but macular edema persisted in spite of treatment. Under the suspicion of drug-related complication, we try to discontinue hydroxychloroquine. Her symptoms improved gradually after cessation of hydroxychloroquine, and further serial image study confirmed subsiding of the macular edema without any further treatment. Except the well-known signs of the retinal toxicity, macular edema might be a rare presentation of hydroxychloroquine-related retinal toxicity.

Keywords: Hydroxychloroquine; macular edema; optical coherence tomography; retinal toxicity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports