A case of bilateral trochleitis in adult-onset Still's disease

We describe the first case of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) presenting with trochleitis and successfully treated with an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

This is a descriptive case report of one patient, identified in consultation with the inpatient ophthalmology consult service.

A 23-year-old Caucasian male initially presented with complaints of sore throat, myalgias, rash, and fever. After he failed to respond to antibiotic therapy for presumed streptococcal pharyngitis and developed left eye pain with upgaze, he was admitted to the hospital. Laboratory workup revealed elevated inflammatory markers and liver enzymes. He was eventually diagnosed with AOSD. During his hospitalization he developed binocular vertical diplopia, worsening of left eye pain on upgaze, and exquisite tenderness over the region of the left trochlea, consistent with trochleitis. This diagnosis was supported by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Soon after onset of left eye symptoms, the right eye developed identical symptoms. He was started on intravenous corticosteroids, which led to the rapid resolution of his ocular and systemic symptoms. However, after transition to oral corticosteroids, his symptoms recurred. He was started on anakinra, an interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist, which led to resolution of his ocular and systemic symptoms.

Trochleitis is an unusual form of orbital inflammation localized to the superior oblique tendon and trochlea complex. It has been associated with a number of systemic inflammatory conditions including systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This is the first case of a patient with AOSD presenting with trochleitis. Treatment with IV corticosteroids and anakinra resulted in rapid resolution of his ocular and systemic symptoms.