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Scleritis and temporal arteritis.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|November 1, 1976
Summary
Severe scleritis and episcleritis often indicate underlying systemic diseases, including connective tissue diseases and temporal arteritis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss and manage these inflammatory eye conditions effectively.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Scleritis and episcleritis are inflammatory eye conditions that can be associated with systemic diseases.
- Investigating underlying systemic conditions is crucial for effective management of these ocular inflammatory disorders.
Observation:
- Thirty consecutive patients with severe scleritis or episcleritis underwent inpatient assessment for systemic disease.
- Eighteen patients had scleritis; 11 had connective tissue disease, and 3 had temporal arteritis.
- Twelve patients had episcleritis; 6 had collagen disease, and 1 developed temporal arteritis.
Findings:
- A previously unreported high incidence of temporal arteritis was observed in association with scleritis.
- A higher incidence of collagen diseases was noted in episcleritis patients than previously described.
- Significant underlying medical illnesses were present in most patients (89% with scleritis, 67% with episcleritis), with many diagnoses being previously unrecognized.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of temporal arteritis with parenteral steroids are vital to prevent ischemic complications like papillopathy.
- Comprehensive systemic evaluation is indicated for patients presenting with severe scleritis or episcleritis.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering systemic associations in the management of inflammatory eye diseases.