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Retinal vasculitis in rheumatoid arthritis: an angiographic study
N Giordano1, M D'Ettorre, G Biasi
1Institute of Rheumatology, University of Siena, Italy.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
This study found retinal vasculitis in 18% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, even without visible symptoms. Early retinal examination is recommended for RA patients to detect this potential extra-articular manifestation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease.
- Extra-articular manifestations can affect various organs in RA patients.
- Retinal vasculitis is a potential ocular complication of RA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of retinal vasculitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- To determine if fluorescein angiography can detect subclinical retinal vasculitis in RA patients.
Main Methods:
- Sixty patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis were enrolled.
- Fluorescein angiography was used to examine retinal vasculature.
- Clinical and ophthalmoscopic examinations were performed to assess for signs of inflammation.
Main Results:
- Retinal vasculitis was detected in 18% of the studied RA patients.
- In all positive cases, retinal vasculitis was asymptomatic and showed no clinical or ophthalmoscopic signs.
- Fluorescein angiography identified subclinical retinal vasculitis.
Conclusions:
- Retinal vasculitis is a prevalent, often asymptomatic, finding in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Ophthalmoscopic examination alone is insufficient for diagnosing retinal vasculitis in RA.
- Routine retinal examination using fluorescein angiography is suggested for RA patients to identify this extra-articular manifestation early.