Zoledronic Acid-Induced Orbital Inflammatory Disease

Abstract

Abstract Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that are used to prevent the loss of bone density and treat osteoporosis and similar bone diseases. Zoledronate (zolenedronic acid) has been increasingly used because of its advantages of intravenous infusion and annual regimens. Here, we present a case of zolendronic acid-related diffuse orbital inflammation. A 67-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer and chemotherapy developed severe unilateral orbital and periorbital swelling approximately 8 hours after receiving her first zoledronate infusion. In this case, the interval between infusion and the beginning of the symptoms was too short compared with most other reported similar cases. Her signs and symptoms relapsed 4 days after discontinuation of the short course of systemic steroid therapy. Orbital inflammation improved after systemic corticosteroid therapy was restarted, but the patient did not relapse following discontinuation of the drug in a tapering manner.