Neuro-ophthalmological manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus in Asian patients

To report eight patients with diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with a variety of neuro-ophthalmological complications and outcomes.

A review of the follow up, subsequent management and outcomes of the neuro-ophthalmological complications of eight patients with SLE.

The patients presented with a myriad of symptoms of varying severities. The most common manifestations were that of optic neuropathy and eye movement abnormalities. The outcome was variable ranging from complete recovery to optic atrophy with navigational visual acuity. Treatment was often empirical, although early treatment with corticosteroids has been tried with varying success,

The pathophysiology in the neuro-ophthalmological manifestations of SLE is thought be due to vaso-occlusive disease of the small vessels of the nerve and brain, secondary to an autoimmune process. Ophthalmologists may need to consider the diagnosis of SLE in young women who present with a recent onset of neuro-ophthalmological symptoms and signs.