title: Irreversible visual loss in dermatomyositis.
abstract: Retinopathy has been described in dermatomyositis but visual loss is rare. We describe an unusual case of dermatomyositis where retinal complications resulted in permanent and profound central visual loss. Pulsed intravenous and oral methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide therapy controlled the systemic disease but the macular and optic disc damage was irreversible. Early diagnosis and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy may help to prevent and control severe and potentially blinding intraocular inflammation. We emphasize the need for close co-operation between ophthalmologist and physician in the management of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Birmingham And Midland Eye Hospital And City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, USA.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Yeo
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Swaby
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Situnayake
authors.forename: P I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Murray
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone; D008727:Methotrexate