Optic neuritis and retinal vasculitis as primary manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common multisystem disorder. However, retinal vasculitis as a primary manifestation of SLE is uncommon, accounting for only 4% of causes of retinal vasculitis. The postulated mechanism appeared to be vaso-occlusion of the retinal arterioles by thrombosis, with resultant ischaemia. Optic neuropathy in SLE is also rare, with a prevalence of 1%. This is a case report of a young lady who presented to us with retinal vasculitis as her initial presentation of SLE. Interestingly, the pathologic mechanism appeared to be inflammatory and not vaso-occlusive.
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
H J
HJ
Barkeh
M
M
Muhaya
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D031300:Retinal Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy