ANCA‐associated vasculitis with scleritis, corneal melt, and perforation rescued by rituximab: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis, specifically with myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐ANCA, would have a risk for developing corneal melt and perforation abruptly in a short period. It is desirable to have a team of collaboration of rheumatologists and other specialties. Abstract An 80‐year old man who had been diagnosed 5.5 years previously as ANCA‐associated vasculitis by temporal artery biopsy developed corneal melt and perforation with scleritis in both eyes. He underwent successful cataract surgery and retained ambulatory vision with the aid of intravenous rituximab. Two additional patients with similar manifestations were found in the literature.

Keywords

• ANCA‐associated vasculitis
• corneal melt and perforation
• rituximab
• scleritis
• temporal artery biopsy