title: Ocular manifestations and concepts of systemic vasculitides.
abstract: Vasculitic disorders are relatively rare. Their etiology and pathophysiology remain enigmatic, leading to confusing nomenclature and multiple classification schemes. Untreated vasculitis can be fatal. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment and better prognosis. However, early diagnosis can be difficult; vasculitic conditions usually present with non-specific symptoms for a long period before clinically overt manifestations occur. Ophthalmologists should be familiar with the ocular manifestations of the vasculitic disorders because they may not only be sight-threatening, but more importantly could be the presenting manifestations of active, potentially lethal systemic disease. This review summarizes clinical and ocular manifestations of systemic vasculitic disorders. Furthermore, it discusses general concepts in diagnosis and treatment of these diseases in an effort to provide a practical framework for the ophthalmologist evaluating patients with vasculitis.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Immunology and Uveitis Service, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Victor L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: Sai H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Chavala
authors.forename: Muna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Panos
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zafirakis
authors.forename: Stefanos
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baltatzis
authors.forename: Vicente
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ocampo
authors.forename: C Stephen
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy