Fluocinolone acetonide implant (Iluvien®) for macular edema associated with retinitis pigmentosa: A case report

Macular edema can be observed in 20% of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and is often responsible of central vision impairment. Intraocular administration of corticosteroids (either triamcinolone or dexamethasone implant) has been found to be effective in that indication. We here describe the first report of a successful bilateral administration of fluocinolone acetonide implant in a patient with steroid-dependent macular edema associated to RP. Case report. A 34-year female patient with RP was referred for a one-year bilateral persistent ME. She had been refractory either to topical or to general carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Bilateral off-label administration of 0.7 mg dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®, Allergan, CA) was therefore decided. Efficacy and tolerance were very good in both eyes. Still, every four-month injections were required to maintain the macula dry. Off-label use of 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (Iluvien®, Alimera Sciences, GA) was then proposed and injected, first, in the right eye and, two-years after, in the left eye. No recurrences of the edema were observed from then on, i.e., for 3 years in the right eye and for 1 year in the left eye. Intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide could represent a promising means in the therapeutic management of persistent steroid-dependent ME related to RP.