Unilateral conjunctival chemosis as a unique symptom of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug intolerance.

Patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intolerance usually have cutanous-mucosal or/and respiratory symptoms. We report the case of a patient who developed several episodes of left-eye conjunctivitis, manifested as conjunctival chemosis, with no other symptoms, after taking metamizole and other unidentified NSAIDs. We performed both a single blind placebo-controlled oral challenge test and conjunctival challenge test with different NSAIDs. The single blind placebo-controlled oral challenge was positive to ketoprofen and diclofenac. The conjunctival challenge with diclofenac and flurbiprofen was negative. The patient tolerated celecoxib and nabumetone. We believe this to be an exceptional case of NSAID intolerance as conjunctival chemosis has not hitherto been included in any of the classic types of pseudoallergic reactions.