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Published on: February 6, 2021
Very severe HLA B27-associated panuveitis mimicking endophthalmitis: a case series
Chintan Sanghvi1, Karl Mercieca, Nicholas P Jones
1Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, UK. casanghvi1@googlemail.com
Purpose:
To report rare but important instances of very severe, hyperacute HLA B27-associated panuveitis, mimicking infective endophthalmitis and providing challenges to both diagnosis and management.
Design:
Retrospective case review.
Methods:
Four patient records were reviewed. Demographic features, clinical findings, course of uveitis, diagnostic/therapeutic measures, and outcomes are reported.
Results:
All cases presented with severe panuveitis with visual acuities below 6/60 and poor fundal views. Three patients underwent intraocular fluid sampling for microbiology. All required systemic high-dose corticosteroid treatment, and two also needed oral immunosuppression. All eventually required cataract extraction. Final visual acuity varied from 6/12 to 6/6.
Conclusions:
HLA B27-associated uveitis may be unusually severe and may cause a panuveitis, mimicking infective endophthalmitis. The course may be prolonged and difficult with frequent complications including cataract.
Insights
Severe HLA B27-associated uveitis can mimic infection, presenting as hyperacute panuveitis. This rare condition requires prompt diagnosis and intensive management, often including immunosuppression and cataract surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 (HLA B27) is associated with various inflammatory conditions.
- Uveitis, particularly HLA B27-associated uveitis, can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- This study reports rare cases of very severe, hyperacute HLA B27-associated panuveitis.
- These cases mimicked infective endophthalmitis, posing diagnostic and management challenges.
Findings:
- Four patients presented with severe panuveitis, visual acuity below 6/60, and poor fundal views.
- All cases required high-dose corticosteroids, two needed immunosuppression, and all eventually underwent cataract extraction.
- Final visual acuities ranged from 6/12 to 6/6, indicating potential for visual recovery with appropriate treatment.
Implications:
- HLA B27-associated uveitis can manifest with extreme severity and panuveitis.
- Early recognition and aggressive management are crucial for preventing complications like cataract and preserving vision.
- Differentiating from infective endophthalmitis is critical for appropriate therapeutic decisions.
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