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Severe panuveitis with relapsing polychondritis
Naonori Masuda1, Ryoko Nishikawa1, Tetsuo Ueda1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, 634-8522 Nara, Japan.
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
|July 28, 2018
Summary
Relapsing polychondritis can initially present as severe panuveitis. Pars plana vitrectomy effectively treated ocular inflammation and vision loss in this rare autoimmune cartilage disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Relapsing polychondritis is a rare systemic autoimmune disease targeting cartilage.
- It can manifest with diverse and severe ocular complications.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old man presented with severe panuveitis and vitreous opacities, initially unresponsive to treatment.
- Pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade improved vision to 20/20.
- Three years later, he was diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis, later developing panuveitis in the other eye.
Findings:
- Pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade was effective in resolving severe panuveitis and vitreous opacities.
- The patient experienced significant visual acuity improvement after surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Severe panuveitis with vitreous opacities may be an early indicator of relapsing polychondritis.
- Ophthalmologists should consider relapsing polychondritis in patients with unexplained severe uveitis.
- Vitrectomy is a valuable treatment for ocular manifestations of relapsing polychondritis.
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