Ciclosporin Eye Drops in Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease: A Case Report

Aims: To report a case of severe ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) managed with topical ciclosporin.

Introduction: Ocular graft-versus host disease is a rare and often misdiagnosed aetiology of dry eye syndrome.

Case: We report a case of young women presenting with a severe and bilateral ocular surface inflammation with filamentous keratitis, posterior blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunction and neovascular invasion. Ocular GVHD was diagnosed due to severe dry eye symptoms and a history of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Immunosuppressive treatment resulted in a spectacular anatomical and clinical improvement, rapid resolution of symptoms and improvement in visual acuity.

Conclusion: Ocular GVHD should be considered in any severe dry eye syndrome associated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Topical immunosuppressive therapies have revolutionised the curative management of these patients.