Immunosuppressant-Related Lower Eyelid Edema in Transplant Patients

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 May-Jun;33(3S Suppl 1):S58-S60. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000000615.

Abstract

Solid organ transplantation is the preferred method of treatment for a number of advanced medical conditions, but it requires systemic immunosuppression to prevent transplant rejection. The authors report 2 unique cases of persistent eyelid edema following solid organ transplantation believed to be related to their systemic immunosuppression. The eyelid findings developed after initiation of the immunosuppressant sirolimus. In 1 patient, the eyelid edema has persisted despite discontinuation of the medication. In the second patient, the immunosuppression could not be altered; therefore, he underwent surgical excision of the edematous lower eyelid. Sirolimus associated eyelid edema is an important medication side effect for ophthalmic and eyelid specialists to consider when a patient with a history of organ transplantation presents with localized noninflamed eyelid edema. This edema can persist despite discontinuation of the medication. Surgical excision of the edematous eyelid can achieve good results.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Edema / chemically induced*
  • Edema / diagnosis
  • Eyelid Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Eyelid Diseases / diagnosis
  • Eyelids / drug effects
  • Eyelids / pathology
  • Graft Rejection / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Sirolimus