Ink & Eye: A Case Report on Tattoo-Associated Uveitis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48560/rspo.38214Keywords:
Tattooing/adverse effects, Uveitis/drug therapy, Uveitis/etiologyAbstract
Tattoo-associated uveitis is a condition where an inflammatory response in the eye is triggered by tattoo ink. This report describes a 33-year-old man with bilateral recurrent uveitis, as well as indurated regions of elevated tattooed skin and pruritus, 6 months after receiving multiple black ink tattoos. Initial treatment with topical corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provided relief, but symptoms recurred after discontinuation of therapy. Diagnostic workup ruled out common infectious and autoimmune causes, as well as systemic sarcoidosis. A biopsy of the tattooed skin confirmed granulomatous inflammation, suggesting a hypersensitivity reaction to the ink. The patient’s condition improved with a revised oral corticosteroid regimen over eight months of follow-up, and he remains under close monitoring due to the risk of recurrence. This case underscores the importance of considering tattoo-related inflammation in cases of unexplained uveitis, particularly in patients with recent tattoo work.
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