2607004575
  • Open Access
  • Case Report

Bilateral Chorioretinitis and Neurosensory Retinal Detachment after Nivolumab Therapy in a Young Patient with Hodgkin Lymphoma

  • Jacob Larsen *,   
  • Garrett Nix,   
  • Jennifer Jung,   
  • Rebecca G. Edwards Mayhew

Received: 18 Feb 2026 | Revised: 21 Jun 2026 | Accepted: 02 Jul 2026 | Published: 24 Jul 2026

Abstract

We present the case of an 18-year-old male with recurrent Hodgkin’s lymphoma who developed bilateral intraocular inflammation 47 days after initiating nivolumab. Examination revealed bilateral chorioretinitis and papillitis with subretinal fluid in the left eye. Nivolumab was discontinued, and combined oral and topical corticosteroid therapy was initiated, leading to the resolution of symptoms 37 days after presentation. Nivolumab-induced ocular inflammation is a rare but significant immune-related adverse event in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. To our knowledge, this is the youngest reported case of posterior uveitis associated with nivolumab and the youngest patient with Hodgkin’s lymphoma to develop this complication following immunotherapy. Although previously documented in older populations, its occurrence in an adolescent highlights the need for routine ophthalmic evaluations in all individuals undergoing this treatment. These findings suggest that early recognition, prompt cessation of the offending agent, and timely management with both oral and topical corticosteroids can prevent long-term visual impairment. With the expanding use of immune checkpoint inhibitors across all populations, proactive ophthalmic monitoring will be essential for preserving long-term ocular health.

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How to Cite
Larsen, J.; Nix, G.; Jung, J.; Edwards Mayhew, R. G. Bilateral Chorioretinitis and Neurosensory Retinal Detachment after Nivolumab Therapy in a Young Patient with Hodgkin Lymphoma. Journal of Inflammatory and Infectious Medicine 2026, 2 (2), 3. https://doi.org/10.53941/jiim.2026.100006.
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