A case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis-associated scleritis presenting as conjunctivitis.

A 42-year-old male presented initially with conjunctivitis and was treated with topical medical medications without any improvement. He developed ocular pain subsequently and further examination revealed lid edema, conjunctival hyperemia with chemosis, matting of lashes with yellowish discharge, and deeper episcleral congestion which did not blanch with topical vasoconstrictor. Subsequent laboratory investigation revealed positive cytoplasmic-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (Anti-PR 3 antibody). He continued to develop recurrences and finally responded to oral azathioprine. Granulomatosis with polyangitis may rarely present as conjunctivitis and subsequently manifest as scleritis.

A COVID-19 perspective of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS).

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is a rare form of posterior uveitis characterized by involvement in the posterior pole and mid-periphery. A viral etiology that provokes an immune-mediated response has been hypothesized to be the inciting factor of the pathology. Recently, there has been an increase in the literature regarding new-onset uveitis and reactivation of previously diagnosed cases of uveitis following COVID-19 vaccinations. The COVID-19 vaccination has been speculated to trigger an immunomodulatory shift in recipients, resulting in an autoimmune event. MEWDS following COVID-19 vaccination was reported in 31 patients. It was most commonly observed following the first dose, affecting 15 patients, and least commonly after the booster dose, in only one patient. MEWDS-like disease following anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations was reported the most in 16 cases after the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination (BNT162b2 mRNA). Most of these cases had Primary MEWDS without any previous history of a similar event in the past.

Clinical spectrum of HLA-B27-associated ocular inflammation.

INTRODUCTION: HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis is the most common identifiable cause of anterior uveitis in adults worldwide. It is associated with significant ocular morbidity in young patients due to its typically recurrent attacks of inflammation and vision-threatening ocular complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was compiled using articles identified by searching on PubMed with all relevant keywords such as HLA B27, HLA B27 uveitis, spondyloarthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, HLA B27 systemic associations. RESULTS: We summarize the current knowledge on the HLA B27 associated uveitis epidemiology, genetics, clinical profile, systemic associations, laboratory investigations, complications and management. CONCLUSION: HLA-B27-associated uveitis is a commonly encountered entity in the uveitic clinic. Its management must be in coordination with a rheumatologist. Early and appropriately intense treatment is essential for optimal visual prognosis.

Clinical profile, treatment, and visual outcome of scleritis: A single ophthalmologist experience.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical profile of patients with scleritis managed by a single ophthalmologist in a tertiary eye care center. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 107 eyes of 96 patients with scleritis from January 2007 to December 2018. RESULTS: Female predominance (68%) with a relatively young-onset (46 ± 14 years) of scleritis was observed. Diffuse anterior scleritis (41%) was the most common subtype of scleritis, and the most common systemic association was rheumatoid arthritis (18%). Three-fourth of patients received immunosuppressive treatment (74%) along with corticosteroids. The mean follow-up period was 3 ± 2.5 (range: 0.6-10) years. Necrotizing scleritis was at a 3.5 times higher risk of developing ocular complications. Eighty percent of patients maintained the same vision. Recurrence of scleritis was noted in 25 eyes (23%). CONCLUSION: Diffuse scleritis is the most common scleritis in our population. Tuberculosis was commonly seen with diffuse scleritis. The likelihood of developing ocular complications (cataract and glaucoma) was higher in necrotizing scleritis, thus requiring periodic monitorization.

A case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed after 35-month of initial presentation as recurrent vitritis with multiple negative biopsies.

To report a case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that was diagnosed 35-month of initial ocular manifestation. Retrospective chart review. A 53-year-old male presented with painless diminution of vision in both eyes. He subsequently underwent extensive laboratory investigations including multiple vitreous biopsies with a suspicion of intraocular lymphoma. Cytology from the vitreous aspirate failed to diagnose any relevant pathology. After 35-month from the onset of his ocular symptom, a brain biopsy revealed a round cell tumor suggestive of NHL. Even with high index of suspicion, consultation with ocular oncologist, imaging, and diagnostic vitrectomy, the diagnosis of lymphoma remains challenging.

A case series of presumed fungal endogenous endophthalmitis in post COVID-19 patients.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has challenged the medical community. Several ocular manifestations secondary to COVID-19 have been documented. Prolonged hospitalization exposes the patient to various multiresistant bacteria making them prone to various secondary infections. This case series describes four cases of presumed fungal endogenous endophthalmitis in patients who recovered from COVID-19.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa scleritis initially presenting as idiopathic diffuse anterior scleritis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains the most common cause of bacterial scleritis. This report illustrates an unusual presentation of P. aeruginosa scleritis, which initially presented as diffuse anterior scleritis with anterior uveitis. The detailed laboratory work-up of the patient was negative, and the initiation of high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy led to further deterioration of clinical condition, with the appearance of a yellowish-white nodule within 3 days. The aspirate from the nodule grew P. aeruginosa, and the scleral inflammation resolved with anti-microbial therapy.

Papillophlebitis as an initial presentation of Eales' disease.

Eales' disease (ED), which is an idiopathic obliterative vasculitis, is a diagnosis of exclusion. The optic nerve involvement in ED is not very common. We report a case of ED in a 36-year-old male who initially presented as papillephlebitis. He presented with complaints of decreased vision in his right eye for 2 months. Fundus examination revealed that optic disc edema with hemorrhages, and he was started on oral corticosteroid after the exclusion of infectious etiology. Fundus examination after 2 months revealed thet resolution of optic disc edema, but active periphlebitis with multiple superficial retinal hemorrhages involving inferior and inferotemporal quadrant. Based on negative laboratory results and clinical findings a diagnosis of ED was considered. Regular monitoring of patients with papillephlebitis is recommended.

Serial swept-source optical coherence tomography: Tale of a choroidal tuberculoma.

Choroidal tuberculoma is a solitary elevated choroidal mass-like lesion regarded often characteristic of intraocular tuberculosis. Serial swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) is a very important tool in monitoring the course of choroidal tuberculoma and allows in early detection of complications such as choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM). We describe a 26-year-old young Indian female, who presented with a solitary choroidal mass lesion in the left eye. Based on positive Mantoux test, biopsy of cervical lymph nodes showing acid-fast bacilli and radiographic findings, a diagnosis of choroidal tuberculoma was made. Serial SS-OCT during subsequent follow-up visits up to 14 months demonstrated the characterization of the lesion and assessment of response to antitubercular therapy and oral steroid. The patient was subsequently diagnosed to have concurrent CNVM and successfully treated with two anti-vascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injections.

Anterior chamber migration of a sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant: A case report and review of literature.

The purpose of the study was to report a case of migration of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) into anterior chamber and review the literature pertaining to the anterior chamber migration of implant. Clinical data were collected from a patient, in whom a dexamethasone intravitreal implant migrated to anterior chamber. A review of literature was conducted to analyze additional reports. A 59-year-old aphakic patient with recalcitrant cystoid macular edema due to chronic idiopathic uveitis was treated with intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implant. Migration of the implant into anterior chamber was noted after a month of injection. Since his cornea was clear and intraocular pressure was normal, he was managed conservatively. Sixteen such reports of migration of implant into anterior chamber was analyzed to look into the possible etiologies and outcome. Disruption of lens capsule, large basal iridectomy, and prior vitrectomy are the primary risk factors for migration of dexamethasone implant into the anterior chamber.

Clinical Profile of Scleritis in Children.

Purpose: To describe the clinical pattern of scleritis in patients ≤16 years of age at a tertiary care eye hospital in India. Methods: The medical records of 24 eyes of 20 children with scleritis were included in this retrospective study. Collected data included age, subsets of uveitis, best corrected visual acuities (BCVA), detailed laboratory investigations and treatment. Results: Mean age at presentation was 12.2 ± 2.5 years. Scleritis was unilateral in 80% patients and an equal gender distribution was observed. Posterior scleritis (41.7%) was the most common subtypes of scleritis and nodular scleritis was the most common type of anterior scleritis (33.3%). Necrotizing scleritis was seen in 16.7% eyes. Tuberculosis was the only systemic association and found in three (15%) patients. Conclusions: Clinical profile of scleritis in children can be different from that of adults.

Clinical profile of uveitis patients developing central serous chorioretinopathy: An experience at a tertiary eye care center in India.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical profile of patients with uveitis who developed central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: Retrospective case series of consecutive patients of uveitis with CSC managed at a tertiary eye care center in India between 1994 and 2014. The data about clinical features, investigations, treatment, and outcomes were obtained from their medical records. RESULTS: A total of 31 eyes of 26 patients with uveitis with a diagnosis of CSC between June 1994 and May 2014 were included in the study. The mean age of presentation was 42.8 ± 9.2 years, and 88.4% of the patients were male. CSC was bilateral in 19.2% of the patients, and in 38.4% patients uveitis was because of infectious etiology. CSC developed in 23 (88.5%) patients when they were on oral corticosteroid. The most common cause of uveitis in our study was choroiditis (48.4%), followed by retinal vasculitis (12.9%). The mean time for resolution of CSC was relatively less in patients with uveitis because of infectious etiology. In 10% eyes vision remained the same and deterioration of vision was noted in 19% eyes. Best corrected visual acuity of the patients at the time of presentation with CSC was 0.56 ± 0.34 and after the resolution of CSC was 0.48 ± 0.5 (P < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Patients with choroidal inflammations are more prone to develop CSC compared with other subtypes of uveitis. Management of CSC in uveitis can be challenging.

Visual rehabilitation of patients with low vision in uveitis.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the clinical profile of visual impairment (VI) and rehabilitation of the uveitic patients with irreversible low vision. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of visual rehabilitation of patients with uveitis suffering from poor vision with low vision devices (LVD). RESULTS: Most common cause of uveitis was choroiditis (46.29%), followed by retinitis (25.92%), retinochoroiditis (18.51%), and chronic panuveitis sequelae (9.25%). Of these 54 cases, 35.18% had moderate VI, 25.92% had severe VI, 20.37% had mild VI, and 18.51% had profound VI or blindness. Statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) in near vision was seen in choroiditis (52%) and retinitis (72%), whereas clinically significant improvement in distance vision was found in patients with choroiditis. Most commonly prescribed LVD was half-eye prismatic spectacle magnifier (22.2%). CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation of the uveitic patients with low vision is challenging. LVD may be a beneficial tool in these patients to help them perform their day-to-day activities independently.

Intravitreal therapeutic agents in noninfectious uveitic macular edema.

The management of uveitis is challenging for most treating ophthalmologists. The treatment of uveitis often requires the use of high dose of systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents, which are almost always associated with potential side effects. Intravitreal medications have become a popular mode of drug administration in uveitis patients as they provide high volume of drug to the target tissues, eliminating the risk of systemic toxicity. There has been tremendous development in the intravitreal therapeutics over the last few years. With the advent of sustained-release technique, increasing patient compliance, biodegradable nature of the implant, and introduction of newer agents with better safety profile, the intravitreal medications have become more popular in recent years. This review presents evidence in the scientific literature supporting the use of intravitreal medications for the management of uveitis and its complications.

Clinical profile of patients with posterior scleritis: A report from Eastern India.

Purpose: This study aimed to report the clinical profile of patients with posterior scleritis at a tertiary eye center in Eastern India. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective case series of patients who were diagnosed as posterior scleritis between January 2010 and December 2014, with a follow-up period of at least 6 months. Results: The study included 18 patients of posterior scleritis with a mean age of 41.2 ± 10.6 years (range: 26-63 years). With female preponderance (55.6%), majority of the posterior scleritis cases were unilateral (88.9%). Sixteen patients reported with diminution of vision, eleven patients (61.1%) had ocular pain on presentation, and five patients complained of headache. Concurrent anterior scleritis was found in three eyes (15%) with posterior scleritis. Choroidal folds and subretinal fluid at the posterior pole were the most common fundus findings and were seen in seven eyes (35%) each. No systemic association was detected in any patient even after extensive laboratory workup and multidisciplinary consultation. All patients received oral steroid, and 11 (61.1%) of them required intravenous pulse steroid therapy. Immunosuppressive was used in 6 (33.3%) patients, and oral azathioprine was the most common immunosuppressive used in the study. Recurrence was noted in eight eyes (40%). The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved to logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.06 ± 0.051 at the final follow-up from 0.47 ± 0.45 logMAR at presentation (P = 0.00608). Conclusion: Posterior scleritis is relatively rare but can occur without systemic involvement. Aggressive immunomodulatory therapy is required to treat vision-threatening condition.

Pediatric Eales Disease: An Indian Tertiary Eye Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical profiles, etiologies, treatment modalities, and outcomes for Eales disease in patients younger than age 16 years in India. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of patients with Eales disease who had a minimum 5-year follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 25 eyes of 13 patients were included. Of these 13 patients, 12 (94%) had bilateral Eales disease and 11 (84.6%) were men. Mean patient age was 14.1 years (range: 11 to 16 years). Diminution of vision (36%) was the most common presenting complaint, followed by both diminutions of vision and floaters (32%). Sclerosed vessels were seen in all eyes, and 21 (84%) eyes had active periphlebitis at presentation. Neovascularization elsewhere was seen in 20 (80%) eyes and neovascularization of the optic disc was seen in 1 (4%) eye. Veno-venous shunts were found in 12 (48%) eyes, and 18 (72%) eyes had vitreous hemorrhage. All eyes received photocoagulation; 84.6% of patients received oral steroids, with 7.7% of patients treated with azathioprine and 38.4% treated with anti-tubercular therapy. Vitrectomy was performed in 36% of eyes for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. Vision improved in 7 (28%) eyes, was stable in 12 (48%) eyes, and worsened in 6 (24%) eyes. Recurrence of the disease more than five times during the 5-year follow-up period occurred in 20% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent vasculitis and vitreous hemorrhage in children should raise the suspicion of pediatric Eales disease. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(4):270-274.].

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive scleritis: Clinical profile of patients from a tuberculosis-endemic region.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical profile of a series of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated scleritis in Indian population. METHODS:: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of 33 eyes of 26 consecutive patients with scleritis, who tested positive for either antibody to proteinase 3 [anti-PR3/cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (cANCA)] or myeloperoxidase [anti-MPO/perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA)] between 2006 and 2015. RESULTS:: The mean age at presentation was 54.1 (11.1) years and 61.5% of the patients were female. Underlying systemic disorder was found in 46.2% of patients and includes granulomatosis with polyangitis (30.8%) and tuberculosis (15.4%). Necrotizing scleritis (48.5%) was the most common scleritis observed, followed by diffuse anterior scleritis (42.4%). Positive cANCA was found in 65.4% of patients and 34.6% was found positive for pANCA. Four of the six patients with positive Mantoux test were started on anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) by pulmonologist. Cyclophosphamide was the most common immunosuppressive and 11.5% of the patients required combination of two immunosuppressives. Seventeen eyes developed cataract and four eyes required patch graft. Female gender was more frequently associated with pANCA-associated scleritis than cANCA (P = 0.037). Incidence of necrotizing scleritis was higher in patients with positive cANCA, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.806). cANCA-positive patients had statistically significant higher association with systemic rheumatic diseases (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Necrotizing scleritis is the most common subtype of scleritis in ANCA-positive individuals and even in the absence of systemic involvement. All patients with ANCA positivity should be thoroughly screened to rule out any evidence of tuberculosis, especially in tuberculosis-endemic region before planning aggressive immunomodulatory therapy.

Scleroderma-related choroiditis.

A 34-year-old female a known scleroderma patient presented to us with ocular manifestations in the form choroiditis along with optic nerve involvement. Blood investigations were done, and the ocular findings were confirmed by fundus fluorescein angiography. She was successfully managed with systemic steroid therapy. Among the protean ocular manifestations in scleroderma, only a few cases of choroidal involvement have been reported. Further, clinical and histopathological studies may be needed to throw light on the exact etiopathogenesis.