Related Experiment Videos
Ocular features associated with anticardiolipin antibodies: a descriptive study.
E Miserocchi1, S Baltatzis, C S Foster
1Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Uveitis and Immunology Service, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 9, 2001
Summary
Ocular inflammation, particularly anterior segment issues like iritis and scleritis, can occur with anticardiolipin antibodies. This study highlights the diverse eye conditions linked to these antibodies, even in the posterior pole.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Anticardiolipin antibodies are associated with autoimmune conditions and thrombotic events.
- Ocular manifestations in patients with anticardiolipin antibodies are not fully characterized.
- Idiopathic ocular inflammation presents a diagnostic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectrum of ocular features in patients with idiopathic ocular inflammation and anticardiolipin antibodies.
- To analyze the association between anticardiolipin antibodies and anterior and posterior segment ocular diseases.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study of 13 patients with idiopathic ocular inflammation.
- Comprehensive ocular examination including visual acuity, funduscopy, and fluorescein angiography.
- Systemic symptom analysis and laboratory investigations including anticardiolipin antibody titers and immune activation markers.
Main Results:
- Blurred vision was the most common symptom; anterior segment inflammation (iritis, scleritis) occurred in 76% of patients.
- Posterior segment involvement included retinal vasculitis (60%) and vitritis (38%).
- All patients had abnormal anticardiolipin antibody titers (predominantly IgG); six showed immune activation markers.
Conclusions:
- Anticardiolipin antibodies can cause a wide range of ocular inflammation, affecting both anterior and posterior segments.
- Scleritis is a newly described ocular manifestation associated with anticardiolipin antibodies.
- Ocular disease in these patients is often accompanied by systemic symptoms.