Rituximab associated necrosis: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Rituximab is a B-cell-depleting unconjugated monoclonal IgG1 antibody that targets the transmembrane protein CD20. This article reports on a case with the rare complication known as Rituximab-associated mucosal necrosis. CASE PRESENTATION: The present case report addresses, for the first time, a patient affected by Devic's syndrome presenting with oral manifestations of palatal necrosis after rituximab treatment. CONCLUSION: The present case raises the possibility of anti-CD20 antibody contributing to the development of palatal mucosal necrosis in some patients. Given the increasing administration of rituximab as a result of its efficacy against several diseases, a report on the potential iatrogenic effects of this drug is essential.