Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Uveitis: A Case Report of Refractory Bilateral Chronic Granulomatous Panuveitis Successfully Treated with Tocilizumab.

PURPOSE: To report a case of uveitis associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) that was refractory to multiple lines of therapy but achieved remission with tocilizumab.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the patient's medical record including clinical, biological and imaging data.

RESULTS: A 33-year-old female patient with a history of MS inactive for 5 years on teriflunomide, and no significant medical or ophthalmological history, presented with bilateral granulomatous panuveitis. Initial examination revealed a visual acuity of 0.4 logMAR and 1.3 logMAR in the right eye and the left eye, respectively, along with a significant anterior chamber flare in both eyes, posterior synechiae, large granulomatous keratic precipitates, bilateral vitritis, bilateral macular edema with foveolar pigment epithelial detachment, and significant bilateral venous and arterial vasculitis. The patient underwent several lines of treatment, all of which proved unsuccessful, including corticosteroids alone or in combination with azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil. As a final therapeutic option, tocilizumab was initiated, leading to the remission of uveitis. One year later, the uveitis remained inactive under a 5 mg/day prednisone regimen.

CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab appears to be an efficient option for managing uveitis associated with MS and may be a valuable choice for clinicians dealing with such cases.