Unusual presentation of cornea verticillata with intravitreal methotrexate in a case of primary intraocular lymphoma

Abstract

A 56-year-old woman presented with floaters and diminution of vision in the right eye for 1 week. On examination, visual acuity was 20/400 in the right eye and 20/60 in the left eye. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed vitritis in the right eye and subretinal deposits in both eyes. Vitreous biopsy of the right eye revealed large B-cell-type primary intraocular lymphoma and the patient underwent multiple intravitreal methotrexate injections (400 μg/0.1 mL) in the right eye and systemic chemotherapy for bilateral disease. Following biweekly injections of methotrexate, her visual acuity improved considerably from 20/400 to 20/60 with resolution of vitritis. However, following eighth dose of intravitreal methotrexate, she experienced visual decline to 20/120 along with photophobia, redness and watering. Whorl-shaped opacities, limbitis and corneal haze were noted on slit-lamp examination. Intravitreal methotrexate was stopped, and the patient was started on frequent topical lubricants, loteprednol, topical folinic acid and oral folic acid. Complete resolution of corneal toxicity was observed at 3 weeks and the injections were suspended as there was no recurrence at 6 months follow-up.