A novel case of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid induced by levamisole-adulterated cocaine

• Published in: European journal of ophthalmology Vol. 31; no. 1_suppl; pp. 11 - 15
• Main Authors: Igwe, Chinedu N, Robinson, Fiona, Jones, Sophie M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-04-2021
• Subjects: Adjuvants, Immunologic - toxicity; Cicatrix - complications; Cocaine - adverse effects; Cocaine-Related Disorders - complications; Combined Modality Therapy; Conjunctivitis - chemically induced; Conjunctivitis - diagnosis; Conjunctivitis - drug therapy; Drug Contamination; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Levamisole - toxicity; Middle Aged; Pemphigoid, Benign Mucous Membrane - chemically induced; Pemphigoid, Benign Mucous Membrane - diagnosis; Pemphigoid, Benign Mucous Membrane - drug therapy; Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid; levamisole-induced vasculitis; immunosuppressants; drug misuse
• ISSN: 1120-6721; 1724-6016
• DOI: 10.1177/1120672120964756

Aim:
To report a case of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid caused by levamisole-adulterated cocaine.
Methods:
Case report.
Results:
A 54-year-old woman with multi-systemic levamisole-induced vasculitis which triggered bilateral cicatrizing conjunctivitis refractory to conventional immunosuppressants due to continued cocaine misuse.
Conclusion:
Levamisole-induced vasculitis is a significant public health issue due to its popularity as an adulterant to cocaine. Our report suggests that levamisole caused vasculitis and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid in this case. Ocular manifestation of this syndrome is rare.