[Posterior scleritis in Wegener disease].
BACKGROUND
Wegener's granulomatosis is a focal necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis of unknown etiology. It manifests initially as localized inflammation, usually of the lungs, and preceeds to the state of generalisation which can be life-threatening due to renal failure. Ocular and orbital involvement occurs in 28-58% of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. More often, the anterior segments of the eye are involved whereas inflammation of the posterior segments is quite uncommon.


METHODS
We report a case of posterior scleritis as the initial manifestation of Wegener's granulomatosis in a 65-year-old woman.


RESULTS
Posterior scleritis responded favourably to therapy with systemic steroids and cyclophosphamide.


CONCLUSIONS
Wegener's granulomatosis can have a poor prognosis if not diagnosed and treated in time. Knowledge of posterior scleritis as a possible presenting symptom may therefore facilitate early diagnosis and treatment and prevent progression of the disease.
Arnavaz
A B
AB
Universitäts-Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Ulm.
Freissler
K
K
Lang
G E
GE
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000175:diagnosis; D012590:Sclera / Q000473:pathology; D015423:Scleritis / Q000175:diagnosis*