• Author
    Justin Yun
  • Discovery PI

    Edmund Tsui, MD, MS

  • Project Co-Author

    Alessandro Feo, MD; Leila Chew, MD; Jeffrey Feng, BS; Elizabeth Hutchins, MD; Ashley F. Stein-Merlob, MD; Eric H. Yang, MD; Melissa G. Lechner, MD, PhD; Edmund Tsui, MD, MS

  • Abstract Title

    Longitudinal Outcomes in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Uveitis

  • Discovery AOC Petal or Dual Degree Program

    Basic, Clinical, & Translational Research

  • Abstract

    Purpose: To characterize clinical features and longitudinal outcomes in eyes with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated uveitis.

    Methods: Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary academic center (2015-2024). Eyes developing uveitis after ICI initiation were identified using ICD-9/10 codes and chart review. Baseline and final follow-up anatomic location of uveitis, SUN grades of inflammation, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in logMAR, intraocular pressure, and treatment were collected.

    Results: Among 5,966 patients, 29 (50 eyes; 0.49%) developed uveitis, bilateral in 21 (72.4%). Most associated agents were pembrolizumab (27 patients, 93.1%), nivolumab (19, 65.5%), and ipilimumab (9, 31.0%). Anterior uveitis occurred in 22 patients (75.9%), posterior uveitis in 2 (6.9%), and panuveitis in 5 (17.2%); cystoid macular edema in 11 (37.9%). Median follow-up was 438 days (IQR: 101-921). Topical corticosteroids were used in 23 patients (79.3%) and intravitreal corticosteroid implants in 3 (10.3%). Baseline BCVA was ≤0.3 logMAR in 21/50 eyes (42.0%) and ≥1.0 in 8/50 (16.0%). Anterior chamber cells ≥1+ were present in 32/50 (64.0%), flare ≥1+ in 10/50 (20.0%), anterior vitreous cells ≥1+ in 11/50 (22.0%), and vitreous haze ≥1+ in 7/50 (14.0%). At final follow-up, BCVA ≤0.3 logMAR increased to 33/50 (66.0%) while 7/50 (14.0%) worsened to ≥1.0; median logMAR improved from 0.36 to 0.18 overall, but worsened among posterior (0.55 to 0.75) and panuveitis (0.35 to 0.40) eyes.

    Conclusions: ICI-associated uveitis often involved clinically significant inflammation and reduced vision. BCVA improved in anterior uveitis while posterior and panuveitic eyes showed mild worsening, providing useful longitudinal data for patients on ICI.

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