Systemic disorders associated with episcleritis and scleritis

Inflammation of the episclera and sclera still represents a diagnostic challenge. Many of these presentations are idiopathic and are managed empirically with the use of anti-inflammatory therapy, usually with a satisfactory response. However, some cases will have a more aggressive nature or will show resistance to conventional therapy, and those potentially are connected to an infectious or underlying disease. In such cases, there is an increased risk of visual loss and severe systemic complications requiring intensive investigations and aggressive therapy. The diseases more commonly associated with these conditions, especially with scleritis, are the connective tissue disorders and systemic vasculitis, but systemic infections and malignancies also must be excluded. Management depends on the specific diagnosis, and every year a new list of potential associations or atypical presentations is reported. For a successful outcome, it is important that these presentations are recognized.