Lupus retinopathy associated with a high IFN-alpha level in the cerebrospinal fluid.
An 18-year-old woman who presented with photosensitivity, butterfly rash and acute visual disturbance was diagnosed as SLE with retinopathy. The level of IFN-alpha in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was markedly elevated. Her visual acuity recovered with high-dose prednisolone therapy. IFN-alpha in the CSF also reduced to within the normal range. The mechanism causing lupus retinopathy is not clearly understood. Although the association between lupus retinopathy and a high level of IFN-alpha has not been reported, the injection of IFN-alpha is known to frequently cause retinopathy in hepatitis patients. We discuss the possibility of IFN-alpha causing retinopathy in SLE patients.
D000293:Adolescent; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013129:Spinal Puncture; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
D001323:Autoantibodies; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D016898:Interferon-alpha