Bilateral Hypotony Maculopathy Associated With Ipilimumab and Nivolumab Therapy Unresponsive to Corticosteroid Treatment

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2023 May;54(5):301-304. doi: 10.3928/23258160-20230405-01. Epub 2023 May 1.

Abstract

In rare instances, immunotherapy associated with hypotony and uveitis has been documented. We report the case of a 72-year-old man treated with 2 months of ipilimumab and nivolumab for metastatic melanoma who developed bilateral hypotony maculopathy and serous choroidal detachments without prominent initial uveitis. Despite treatment with topical, periocular, and intraocular corticosteroid injection, hypotony persisted 18 months after immunotherapy cessation. The patient's unresponsiveness to corticosteroids indicates the need to further explore the mechanism behind immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated hypotony. We hypothesize that immunotherapy significantly decreased aqueous humor production through ciliary body inflammation, disruption, or shutdown. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:301-304.].

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Ipilimumab / adverse effects
  • Macular Degeneration*
  • Male
  • Nivolumab / adverse effects
  • Retinal Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Retinal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Uveitis*

Substances

  • Nivolumab
  • Ipilimumab
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones