Optic neuropathy in refractory neurosarcoidosis treated with TNF-alpha antagonist

Can J Ophthalmol. 2006 Dec;41(6):766-8. doi: 10.1139/i06-074.

Abstract

Case report: To report a rare case of optic neuropathy in refractory neurosarcoidosis treated with tumour necrosis factor-alpha antagonist (infliximab) perfusion. A 41-year-old man with diabetes presented with an abrupt, painless, unilateral visual loss. Thoracic computed tomography disclosed mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and evidence from histopathology confirmed sarcoidosis.

Comments: Corticosteroids alone and with immunosuppressive agents failed to suppress the active disease. Alternative therapy of infliximab perfusions resulted in disease remission and relative visual improvement, and this treatment may warrant further clinical studies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Male
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab