Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and systemic lupus erythematosus
Y C Chin1, M Bhargava, C C Khor
11Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.
Lupus
|January 11, 2014
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with antiphospholipid syndrome can cause eye issues. A patient with SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome developed polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, which was successfully treated with anti-VEGF therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are autoimmune conditions that can lead to serious complications.
- Ocular manifestations in SLE and APS patients are well-documented, but specific associations with certain retinal pathologies require further investigation.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old Chinese woman with a history of recurrent SLE and APS relapses presented with visual distortion.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed subretinal hemorrhage in the right eye, diagnosed as choroidal neovascularization secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).
Findings:
- The patient's condition, characterized by choroidal neovascularization secondary to PCV, was successfully treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy.
- This case suggests a potential link between SLE/APS and PCV, possibly mediated by shared inflammatory pathways.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that SLE and APS may share common pathogenic mechanisms with PCV, such as complement activation and choroidal vasculitis.
- This highlights the importance of considering ocular complications, including PCV, in SLE and APS patients with high disease activity.
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