[IDIOPATHIC RETINAL VASCULITIS - THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN A CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC OCULAR DISEASE, ITS THERAPY AND THE PATIENT].

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This is an article on a six year follow-up of a patient diagnosed with idiopathic retinal vasculitis. Her medical history, symptoms and findings are presented in detail, related to the diagnostic investigations and the resulting diagnosis. Patient follow-up was marked with repeated attempts to utilize steroid sparing strategies including antimetabolites such as Methotrexate and mycophenolate Mofetyl with only limited success. Biologic agent (anti TNF), Adalimumab, was also not successful. We discuss the difficulties experienced by the patient and her response to our inability to completely control her symptoms. On another level, we relate to our own difficulties to assess her response to therapy given her preserved vision on the one hand and her apparent uncontrolled retinal vascular leakage. The patient's ability to function in daily life reduces her willingness to endure therapy-related adverse events.