[Ophthalmological aspects of systemic vasculitis]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Vascular Medicine

Context:

• Systemic vasculitis, including polyarteritis nodosa, giant cell arteritis, and aortitis syndrome, presents with significant ocular manifestations.
• While not classified as systemic vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus shares microangiopathic ocular findings relevant to this review.

Purpose:

• To review the ocular findings associated with systemic vasculitis and related microangiopathic conditions.
• To discuss the diagnosis and pathogenesis of optic neuropathy and retinal/choroidal vascular occlusions in these diseases.

Summary:

• The most frequent ocular findings are ischemic optic neuropathy and retinal vascular occlusions.
• Fluorescein angiography enables clinical diagnosis of choroidal ischemia, leading to serous retinal detachment.
• Retinal arterial occlusion causes hypoxia, releasing factors that induce neovascularization, potentially leading to neovascular glaucoma.

Impact:

• Highlights the importance of recognizing ocular signs in systemic vasculitis and lupus.
• Emphasizes the role of advanced imaging like fluorescein angiography in diagnosing choroidal ischemia.
• Provides insights into the pathogenesis of neovascular complications, guiding clinical management and research.