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Retinal vasculitis associated with type M2 antimitochondrial antibodies
Axelle M Cools1, Bert Maertens2, Karen De Letter3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Retinal Cases & Brief Reports
|September 23, 2025
Summary
Bilateral retinal vasculitis was observed in a patient with antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA-M2). This finding suggests a potential link between AMA-M2 positivity and retinal vascular inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are associated with autoimmune liver diseases.
- Type M2 antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA-M2) are specific markers for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
- Retinal vasculitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the blood vessels of the retina.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of bilateral retinal vasculitis in a patient positive for type M2 antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA-M2).
- To explore the potential association between AMA-M2 positivity and retinal vasculitis.
Main Methods:
- Observational case report.
- Clinical examination including ocular assessment.
- Systemic investigations: blood analysis, chest and brain imaging.
- Hepatologic and rheumatologic evaluations.
Main Results:
- A 35-year-old female presented with photopsia and bilateral retinal vasculitis, predominantly affecting retinal veins.
- Systemic workup was normal except for AMA-M2 positivity.
- No signs of cholestasis or connective tissue disease were found.
- The patient responded well to systemic steroids and mycophenolate mofetil.
Conclusions:
- Retinal vasculitis can be associated with AMA-M2 positivity.
- This case broadens the spectrum of autoimmune conditions linked to AMA-M2.
- The exact role of AMA-M2 in the pathogenesis of retinal vasculitis requires further investigation.
