Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Bilateral Chalazion, Conjunctivitis, and Hordeolum Associated with Systemic Consumption of Isotretinoin: A Case Report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors
Saman Afkhami-Ardakani 1
Shatila Torabi 2
Yahya Shahrokhi 3
1 Resident, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3 General Practitioner, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22122/jims.v38i572.12847
Abstract
Background: Several adverse effects (AEs) such as ocular AEs have been reported following systemic consumption of isotretinoin. Here, we report a case of bilateral chalazion, conjunctivitis, and hordeolum associated with systemic isotretinoin.Case Report: A 20-year-old girl was treated with oral isotretinoin because of severe inflammatory acne, and developed bilateral chalazion, conjunctivitis, and hordeolum about 4.5 months after initiation of treatment. Two weeks after cessation of oral isotretinoin, patient’s eye condition improved. However, after re-initiation of oral isotretinoin treatment with a reduced dose, her conjunctivitis relapsed; therefore, the treatment was once again terminated.Conclusion: Since the patient’s condition was bilateral, recovered after cessation of therapy; and once again, relapsed after re-initiation. It was most likely a complication of the medication and not a coincidence.
Keywords
Isotretinoin
Acne
Conjunctivitis
Hordeolum
Chalazion
  1. Melnik BC. Apoptosis may explain the pharmacological mode of action and adverse effects of isotretinoin, including teratogenicity. Acta Derm Venereol 2017; 97(2): 173-81.
  2. Pile HD, Sadiq NM. Isotretinoin. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2020.
  3. Almasaud JS, Alshammrie FF, Alruwaili WS, Alharbi RF, Alghafee GA. Ocular adverse effects in patients with systemic isotretinoin in King Khaled Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia, 2018-2019. EC Ophthalmology 2018; 10(10): 801-6.
  4. Fraunfelder FT, Fraunfelder FW, Edwards R. Ocular side effects possibly associated with isotretinoin usage. Am J Ophthalmol 2001; 132(3): 299-305.
  5. Neudorfer M, Goldshtein I, Shamai-Lubovitz O, Chodick G, Dadon Y, Shalev V. Ocular adverse effects of systemic treatment with isotretinoin. Arch Dermatol 2012; 148(7): 803-8.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 38, Issue 572 - Serial Number 572
March and April 2020
Pages 267-269

  • Receive Date 12 March 2020
  • Accept Date 06 April 2022