Self-inflicted anterior scleritis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and clinically characterize a syndrome of self-inflicted scleritis.


METHODS
Case reports and literature review.


METHODS
Two patients had persistent scleritis at presentation. Both did not respond to prescribed therapy, including systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppression. The first had unexplained, diffuse anterior scleritis and persistent linear keratoconjunctival abrasions after a work-related injury. Several objective indicators pointed to concealed noncompliance with medications. The second patient was a medical assistant with diffuse, unilateral anterior scleritis and unexplained visual loss. Systemic work-up was negative. She had pharmacologic mydriasis and keratoconjunctival abrasions at presentation.


RESULTS
Systemic therapy was stopped in both patients. The first patient, who was in the process of requesting permanent disability status, showed persistent inflammation on each follow-up visit. The second patient improved with no further therapy after she was confronted with objective indicators of a self-inflicted condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the presentation of self-inflicted scleritis can be similar to that of idiopathic or autoimmune anterior scleritis, the former may show additional findings of traumatic conjunctival and corneal abrasions. Indicators of self-inflicted etiology, of which malingering is one such entity, include evidence of concealed noncompliance with prescribed treatments and lack of response to potent antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. Correct diagnosis including early psychiatric evaluation in all such cases, may help prevent unnecessary treatment and unjustified work-related compensation.
Zamir
E
E
Doheny Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
Read
R W
RW
Rao
N A
NA
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000293:injuries*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005162:Factitious Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D015423:Scleritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents