Systemic lupus erythematosus: An update for ophthalmologists

A case of choroidal neovascularization as a first manifestaion of systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

To report a rare occurrence of pigment epitheliopathy associated with choroidal neovasculization as a first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 54-year-old female, with no prior medical history, sought a second opinion due to sudden drop in vision in her right eye to 20/80. Slit lamp examination was normal. Fundus examination revealed the presence of a subretinal hemorrhage in the macular area. Fundus imaging including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography showed multifocal retinal pigment epitheliopathy associated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The patient had received an intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab 2 weeks ago. It was decided to complete the loading dose regimen with two additional Bevacizumab injections, and the first injection was done 2 weeks after her presentation. Two weeks later, the patient reported a rash on her cheeks, painful joints, and purpura. Systemic workup revealed positive ANA, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, and decreased complement levels, with negative anti-histone antibodies. This led to the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the "Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics" criteria. The patient was treated with 50 mg of prednisolone which was then tapered. 1 month after the third injection, an showed a total resolution of the sub-retinal fluid with an improvement of vision to 20/20. No recurrence was observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings from the fundus exam and imaging, systemic symptoms and the blood work-up, we postulate that the pigment epitheliopathy associated with choroidal neovascularization was related to the vaso-occlusive disease at the level of the choroid that can be part of SLE vasculopathy. To our knowledge, this represents the first case in which pigment epitheliopathy and CNV were the primary manifestations of SLE.

Unveiling Ocular Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by immune dysregulation and multi-organ involvement. In this concise brief review, we highlight key insights into Ocular Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an intricate autoimmune disorder with diverse organ involvement. Emphasizing the formation of autoantibodies and immune complex deposition, we delve into the inflammation and damage affecting ocular structures. Clinical presentations, ranging from mild dry eye syndrome to severe conditions like retinal vasculitis, necessitate a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including clinical exams, serological testing, and imaging studies. Differential diagnosis involves distinguishing SLE-related ocular manifestations from other autoimmune and non-inflammatory ocular conditions. The multidisciplinary management approach, involving rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and immunologists, tailors treatment based on ocular involvement severity, encompassing corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and biologics. Follow-up is crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment response. Future perspectives revolve around advancing molecular understanding, refining diagnostic tools, and exploring targeted therapies. Novel research areas include genetic factors, microbiome composition, and biotechnology for tailored and effective SLE ocular treatments.

The full range of ophthalmological clinical manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus

Purpose

To determine the full range of ophthalmological clinical manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to compare the systemic features associated with them.

Methods

Files of 13 patients with ocular SLE (n = 20 eyes) diagnosed as per the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2012 revised criteria were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The following clinical manifestations were found: keratoconjunctivitis sicca (n = three patients), anterior uveitis associated with an inflammatory pseudo-tumor orbital mass (n = one patient, one eye), episcleritis and periorbital edema (n = one patient, two eyes), posterior scleritis (n = one patient, two eyes), bilateral papillary edema in the context of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (n = one patient, one eye), inflammatory optic neuritis (n = one patient, one eye), and lupus retinopathies with varying degrees of capillary occlusions mainly arteriolar (n = seven patients, 13 eyes) and larger arteries or veins (retinal arteries occlusions and retinal veins occlusions) (n = one patient, two eyes). Some patients presented with combined ophthalmological manifestations.Systemic SLE was discovered by its ophthalmic manifestation in three cases (23%) and was previously known in the other 10 cases (77%). On average, ocular symptoms were seen 8 years after the initial diagnosis of SLE. Other systemic SLE disorders included cutaneous disorders (77%), joint disorders (38%), central nervous system (CNS) disorders (23%), renal disorders (38%), and oral ulcers (23%).Treatment of the ophthalmic system manifestations of lupus included local steroid therapies along with systemic immunosuppression.The most common laboratory ACR criteria were: high levels of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (100%), positive anti-Sm (64%), anti-dsDNA (27%), low complement levels (27%), and positive antiphospholipid (APL) antibodies (18%).

Discussion

SLE activity in the ophthalmic system is characterized by its functional severity and the range of involvement can be categorized by anatomical involvement: presence of anterior uveitis, episcleritis, scleritis, periorbital edema, posterior uveitis with retinal vascular ischemia, or papillary edema. Not currently part of the diagnosis criteria of the SLE ACR given its rarity, the ocular localization of the pathology led to the diagnosis of SLE in three cases; thus, developing a greater understanding of ocular lupus may help in identifying and treating systemic manifestations of lupus earlier.

Analysis of Meibomian Glands in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients without Dry Eye Symptoms and Signs

PURPOSE

To evaluate meibomian gland loss and its possible association with disease duration and activity in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (JSLE) patients' without dry eye symptoms or signs.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

METHODS

Ten eyes of 10 JSLE patients were evaluated using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and 14 eyes of 14 healthy controls were also enrolled. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and Schirmer I test were performed. Lid margin score, meibum quality and expressibility scores were evaluated. Noninvasive first breakup time (NIF-BUT) and noninvasive average breakup time (NIAvg-BUT), meibomian gland dropout area (MGDA) and meibography scores were evaluated using non-contact meibography (Sirius; CSO).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the JSLE patients and the healthy controls in the OSDI, NIF-BUT, NIAvg-BUT and Schirmer I tests. Also lid margin score, meibum quality and expressibility scores were not significantly different between the groups. However, JSLE patients had increased upper and lower lid MGDA and increased upper lid, lower lid and total meibography scores compared to the healthy subjects. Furthermore, the duration of JSLE showed a high positive correlation with upper and lower lid MGDA and meibography scores.

CONCLUSION

Meibomian gland loss could be observed in JSLE patients with no clinical signs and symptoms of dry eye. Considering the longer life expectancy of children, the positive correlation of disease duration with the meibomian gland reveals the importance of routine eye examinations from the diagnosis of the disease.

Understanding Ocular Findings and Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Update Review of the Literature

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease. Up to one-third of patients suffering from SLE have various ocular manifestations. The ocular findings may represent the initial manifestation of the systemic disease and may lead to severe ocular complications, and even loss of vision. Ocular manifestations are often associated with degree of systemic inflammation, but also can precede the occurrence of systemic symptoms. Early diagnosis and adequate management of patients with SLE are crucial and require cooperation between various specialists. Proper preparation of ophthalmologists can help to differentiate between complication of SLE and other ocular disorders. New therapies for SLE are promising for potential benefits, however, ocular side effects are still unknown.

Dry eye disease, a prominent manifestation of systemic autoimmune disorders

OBJECTIVES

Dry eye disease (DED) is arguably the most frequent ocular disease encountered in ophthalmic clinical practice. DED is frequently an underestimated condition causing a significant impact on visual function and quality of life. Many systemic autoimmune diseases (SAIDs) are related to moderate to severe DED. The main objective of this review is to enhance the awareness among ophthalmologists of the potential association of an underlying SAID in a high-risk patient with DED.

METHODS

An exhaustive literature search was performed in the National Library of Medicine's Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for all English language articles published until November 2021. The main keywords included "dry eye disease" associated with autoimmune, connective tissue, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematopoietic, vascular, and pulmonary diseases. Case reports, series, letters to the editor, reviews, and original articles were included.

RESULTS

Although DED is frequently associated with SAIDs, its diagnosis is commonly delayed or missed, producing significant complications, including corneal ulceration, melting, scleritis, uveitis, and optic neuritis resulting in severe complications detrimental to visual function and quality of life. SAID should be suspected in a woman, 30 to 60 years old with a family history of autoimmunity, presenting with DED symptoms and extraocular manifestations including arthralgias, dry mouth, unexplained weight and hair loss, chronic fatigue, heat or cold intolerance, insomnia, and mood disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing the correct diagnosis and treatment of DED associated with SAIDs is crucial to avoid its significant burden and severe ocular complications.

Evaluation of subclinical retinal microvascular changes in systemic lupus erythematosus patients using optical coherence tomography angiography and its relationship with disease activity

Objective

This study aimed to investigate subclinical retinal microvascular changes with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy controls (HCs), and to evaluate the relationship between OCTA findings and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K).

Materials and Methods

In this study, 47 eyes of SLE and 41 eyes of healthy control (HC) were evaluated. The SLE patients were divided into two subgroups: low disease activity (LDA) (SLEDAI≤5) and high disease activity (HDA) (SLEDAI>6). The results of OCTA were compared between SLE patients and HCs as well as the SLE subgroups. The relationship between OCTA results and SLEDAI-2K was evaluated.

Results

There were no differences in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas between the SLE patients and HCs. Central foveal thickness (CFT) was lower in SLE patients ( p = .046). Superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vessel density (VD) in SLE patients was significantly lower only in the foveal area compared to that in HCs ( p = .006). Deep capillary plexus (DCP) VD in SLE patients was significantly lower in all areas except the temporal parafoveal area compared to that in the HCs. There was no statistically significant difference between SLE groups with LDA and HDA in FAZ or any of the other areas, including SCP and DCP. When the correlation between OCTA findings and SLEDAI-2K was examined, both SCP and DCP VD were found to be negatively correlated.

conclusions

It was observed that DCP VDs were affected in SLE patients with LDA, and SCP VDs were also affected in addition to DCP with HDA. This suggests that DCP may be the first capillary plexus to be comprised in SLE. VDs were negatively correlated with disease activity. It was concluded that OCTA can be a useful tool in assessing subclinical retinal microvascular pathology and disease activity in patients with SLE.

Update on ophthalmic manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: pathogenesis and precision medicine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with manifestations in multiple organs including the eyes. Several ocular manifestations like dry eye, retinopathy, and choroidopathy have been linked with specific systemic manifestations like lupus nephritis or CNS disease. Furthermore, the presence of ocular manifesattions can correlated with the severity of SLE. Finally, some medications used in the treatment of uveitis can present with lupus-like disease. Therefore, communication between the ophthalmologist and rheumatologist is vital.

RECENT FINDINGS

Ocular and systemic manifestations of SLE can be linked by common pathological processes including immune complex deposition, complement fixation, and vascular injury. Recent research correlating ophthalmic imaging with SLE disease has yielded heterogeneous results likely due to the clinical heterogeneity of SLE, but molecular technologies have and will continue to yield contributions to the emergence of new therapeutics for the treatment of SLE.

SUMMARY

Ocular manifestations are prevalent in patients with SLE. The association with certain manifestations and other disease manifestations highlights the importance of collaboration between the ophthalmologist and rheumatologist. Additional research utilizing clinico-molecular techniques will likely continue to improve our knowledge in the treatment of SLE in the future.

Ocular Manifestations in Colombian Patients with Systemic Rheumatologic Diseases

PURPOSE

To establish the prevalence of ocular involvement in a Colombian population with rheumatologic diseases.

DESIGN

Observational cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We included a probabilistic sample size of 797 patients who attended a rheumatologic disease center in Bogotá, Colombia. Statistical analysis with descriptive measures and Chi-square independence test between rheumatologic diseases and ophthalmological symptoms and diseases was performed.

RESULTS

Eighty-four percent of the population were women, and the mean age was 54.61± 15.64 years. The most common condition was rheumatoid arthritis (33.37%), followed by fibromyalgia (22.71%), Sjögren Syndrome (19.72%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (9.91%). Almost 7% of the patients presented polyautoimmunity. Thirty-five percent of the patients reported one or more ophthalmological symptoms, being dry eye sensation the most common (30.86%), followed by ocular pain (2.76%), red-eye, and decreased visual acuity (both 2.63%). Similarly, 21.45% of the patients presented one or more ophthalmological diagnoses, being keratoconjunctivitis sicca the most common (15.93%), followed by cataract, uveitis (1.38% each), and scleritis (1.25%).

CONCLUSION

Almost a third of the patients reported any ocular involvement. It is crucial to be aware of the most common ophthalmic manifestations among the different rheumatologic diseases in our population, to offer early specialist referral and timely treatment.

Orbital compartment syndrome as the first manifestation of SLE

The occurrence of orbital compartment syndrome is a rare and unusual complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients will present with symptoms of ocular pain and diplopia and visible signs of proptosis. The condition is considered an ophthalmological emergency because the myositis involving the ocular muscles can cause irrevocable damage to the retina and optic disk, potentially leading to blindness. We report a case of a young African American male who developed orbital myositis with compartment syndrome as his initial manifestation of SLE. The patient underwent an emergent orbital decompression, followed by prompt initiation of immunosuppressant medications. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of myositis secondary to SLE complicated by compartment syndrome of the orbit.

When systemic lupus erythematosus affects vision: a rare presentation of this condition

A 23-year-old woman with fever, oral ulcers, arthalgias and weight loss of 2-week duration suddenly developed blurred vision, with reduced visual acuity, cotton wool exudates and retinal vascular tortuosity. Laboratory testing revealed anaemia, lymphopaenia, positive antinuclear antibody and high anti-dsDNA antibody titre with low complement components. There was no evidence of infection, clinching the diagnosis of lupus retinopathy. Steroid therapy alone was highly effective and was also accompanied by a normalisation of haemoglobin and lymphocyte counts, after which azathioprine was added. Hydroxychloroquine was introduced after resolution of retinal changes. Immunosuppressive therapy was progressively tapered over the course of 12 months and then discontinued, and the patient remains in remission 48 months after the initial presentation. Our patient exemplifies a very rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. We emphasise the importance of its early detection and complexity of treatment in order to reduce visual morbidity.

Bilateral epibulbar pseudorheumatoid nodulosis with a review of ocular adnexal palisading granulomas

We describe the clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of episcleral/conjunctival pseudorheumatoid nodulosis, a new granulomatous entity that belongs among a group of related lesions. Specifically, pseudorheumatoid nodulosis should be differentiated from solitary rheumatoid nodules, rheumatoid nodulosis, accelerated rheumatoid nodules and nodulosis, and solitary pseudorheumatoid nodules. A 53-year-old man presented with bilateral painless, large, faintly yellow-gray, partially immobile, solid, circumscribed, and occasionally confluent episcleral nodules of several months' duration. He had never had clinical rheumatoid arthritis and was rheumatoid factor negative. Biopsy revealed multiple, merging episcleral/conjunctival, nonulcerated, palisading granulomas with variably sized central zones of necrobiosis of collagen. Abundant palisading CD68/163 + histiocytes admixed with fibroblasts surrounded the necrobiotic foci, which failed to stain with Alcian blue for mucopolysaccharides. No fibrinoid deposits were detected. Numerous CD3+ T lymphocytes, fewer CD 20 + B lymphocytes, and a smaller subpopulation of CD138 + plasma cells were present. Numerous CD1a + Langerhans cells were scattered among the palisading histiocytes and overlying epithelium. Immunohistochemical stains for immunoglobulins revealed concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA, but not IgE, in the necrobiotic zones. Special stains did not reveal evidence of infection nor did polarization microscopy display any foreign material. An extensive systemic and serologic workup was negative. We review simulating palisading or other nonrheumatic granulomas that should be distinguished from pseudorheumatoid nodules or nodulosis and explore therapeutic options.

Evidence for the Detection of Subclinical Retinal Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjögren Syndrome: A Potential Association with Therapies

BACKGROUND

Retinal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren syndrome (SS) may be subclinical and thus underdiagnosed.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed at evaluating morphological and functional visual abnormalities in a cohort of SLE and SS patients in the absence of an overt clinical visual impairment. We also investigated potential associations between retinal disorders and disease activity, organ involvement, and treatment with steroid and/or hydroxychloroquine.

METHODS

The study comprised 42 SLE and 36 primary SS patients and 76 healthy controls (HC). Ophthalmological examination, standard automated perimetry, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fundus perimetry were performed.

RESULTS

Retinal thickness of the posterior pole was not different between SLE and HC groups, but it was reduced in the SS group compared with both the HC and the SLE group. In SLE and SS patients, mean defect and pattern standard deviation by standard automated perimetry were higher than in HC. Visual field index values were lower in both SLE and SS patients than in HC. SLE patients with nephritis displayed increased mean defect and pattern standard deviation and reduced visual field index values compared to patients without nephritis. In SLE and SS patients, fundus perimetry differential sensitivity was reduced, and mean defect values were higher than in HC. Disturbances in fundus perimetry in the SLE group were more prevalent in steroid-naïve patients and in SS patients who received a cumulative hydroxychloroquine dose > 1,000 g.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional eye impairment was demonstrated in SLE patients, possibly associated with kidney involvement. In SLE, corticosteroids might exert a protective role. Morphological alterations and functional impairment were detected in SS patients, which may be linked to hydroxychloroquine toxicity.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and ocular involvement: an overview

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease of undefined etiology and with remarkably heterogeneous clinical features. Virtually any organ system can be affected, including the eye. SLE-related eye involvement can be diagnosed in approximately one-third of the patients and is usually indicative of disease activity. An early diagnosis and the adoption of suitable therapeutic measures are necessary to prevent sight-threatening consequences, especially in patients with juvenile SLE. Periocular lesions, such as eyelid involvement and orbital inflammation, are relatively rare and, in case of orbital masses, may require a biopsy control. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or secondary Sjögren's syndrome is the most frequent ophthalmic manifestation of SLE. According to its variable severity, lubricating tear drops may be sufficient in mild cases, whereas cyclosporine-A ophthalmic solution, glucocorticoids (GCs), methotrexate, and/or other immunosuppressive drugs may be required in the more severe cases. Partial occlusion of the lacrimal punctum by thermal cautery is rarely applied. Although uncommon, episcleritis and scleritis can sometimes be detected as an initial finding of SLE and reveal themselves as moderate to intense ocular pain, redness, blurred vision, and lacrimation. Unilateral or more often bilateral retinopathy is responsible for visual loss of variable severity and is ascribed to vasculitis of the retinal capillaries and arterioles. In addition to the combined treatment suitable for all patients with active SLE, intravitreal bevacizumab should be considered in cases of severe vaso-occlusive retinopathy and laser photocoagulation in cases of neovascularization. Purtscher-like retinopathy is likely ascribable to the formation of microemboli that results in retinal vascular occlusion and microvascular infarcts. Choroidal disease is characterized by monolateral or bilateral blurred vision. Because of the choroidal effusion, retinal detachment and secondary angle-closure glaucoma may occur. Ischemic optic neuropathy is characterized by acute-onset and progressive binocular visual impairment as a consequence of occlusion of the small vessels of the optic nerves due to immune complex vasculitis. Intravenous GC boluses followed by oral GCs and/or, in case of recurrence, intravenous cyclophosphamide and/or rituximab are commonly employed. Neovascularization can be treated by intravitreal bevacizumab and progression of retinal ischemic areas by retinal laser photocoagulation. Ocular adverse events (AE) have been described following the long-term administration of one or more of the drugs presently used for the treatment of SLE patients. Posterior subcapsular cataracts and secondary open-angle glaucoma are common AE of the prolonged GC administration. The long-term administration of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) sulfate is well known to be associated with AE, such as vortex keratopathy and in particular the often irreversible and sight-threatening maculopathy. Length of administration > 5 years, > 1000 g total HCQ consumption, > 6.5 mg/kg daily dosing, coexistence of renal disease, and preexisting maculopathy are all considered risk factors for HCQ-induced retinopathy. Ocular AE of additional immunosuppressive and biological agents are still poorly known, given the worldwide more limited experience with their long-term use. A thorough ophthalmological control is strongly recommended at closer intervals for all SLE patients, in step with the total length of exposure to the drugs and the cumulative dose administered.

Severity of dry eye syndrome is related to anti-dsDNA autoantibody in systemic lupus erythematosus patients without secondary Sjogren syndrome: A cross-sectional analysis

There are as many as one-third of the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who suffer from dry eye syndrome. To this date, dry eye syndrome in SLE patients is believed to be caused by secondary Sjogren syndrome (sSS). However, there is increasing evidence for possible independency of dry eye syndrome and sSS in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this retrospective observational case series was to identify SLE patients without sSS who had dry eye syndrome, examine the correlation of different autoantibodies and dry eye severity, and determine the cause of dry eye in these patients.We included 49 consecutive SLE patients with dry eye who visited our dry eye clinic. In order to rule out sSS, these patients were all negative for anti-Sjogren's-syndrome-related antigen A and B (anti-SSA/SSB) and had no oral symptoms. Each patient's lupus activity was determined by serological tests including antidouble-stranded DNA antibody (anti-dsDNA), complement levels (C3, C4), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and antinuclear antibody (ANA). Severity of dry eye syndrome was determined by corneal sensation (KSen), superficial punctuate keratopathy (SPK), Schirmer-I test (Schirmer), and tear film break-up time (TBUT). The autoantibodies and the dry eye parameters in each group were tested using the χ test or the Mann-Whitney U test for normally distributed or skewed data, respectively.The anti-dsDNA showed significant correlations with KSen (P < 0.001), SPK (P < 0.001), and Schirmer (P = 0.042) but not TBUT. The C3 showed significant correlations with KSen (P < 0.001), SPK (P < 0.001), and Schirmer (P = 0.014) but not TBUT. No correlations of dry eye parameters were observed between C4, ESR, and ANA.The major finding of this study was that the severity of dry eye syndrome in SLE patients without sSS was strongly correlated with anti-dsDNA and C3 but not with C4, ESR, and ANA.

Retinopathy in lupus transitioned to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

Purpose

We present a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus with significant vaso-occlusive retinal findings mimicking antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, who developed Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

Observations

Our patient was initially diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome given consistent serologic markers and profound retinal vascular ischemia. However, on subsequent follow up, she presented with fever and lymphadenopathy and underwent lymph node biopsy, which declared histologic findings of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. Repeat markers for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome were negative and she was taken off lifelong anticoagulation.

Conclusions and importance

Systemic lupus erythematosus and Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease may have many similar features and even biomarkers, and given the potential overlap of presentation, clinicians must carefully distinguish between these diseases to prevent unnecessary treatment.

Orbital Inflammation in Pregnant Women

OBJECTIVE

To analyze overlaps between pregnancy and orbital inflammation (OI).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

METHODS

Eight new cases from 1997 to 2015 and 2 previously published cases were identified for inclusion in this investigation to provide the fullest clinical picture. Medical records, imaging studies, and the results of biopsies were reviewed.

RESULTS

Three categories of association were discovered: (1) OI arising for the first time during pregnancy (5 cases); (2) OI arising within 3 months of delivery (2 cases); and (3) previously diagnosed OI reactivated or exacerbated by pregnancy (3 cases). One patient had a preexistent systemic autoimmune disease and another's was later diagnosed. One patient had attacks during sequential pregnancies. Findings included eyelid swelling and erythema, conjunctival chemosis, pain on eye movement, minimal diplopia, the usual absence of proptosis, and general preservation of visual acuity. Imaging studies disclosed extraocular muscle swelling (8 cases), most frequently of a single lateral rectus muscle. There were 2 cases of dacryoadenitis; 1 of these and an additional case displayed inflammation of the retrobulbar fat. Corticosteroids effected resolution of most symptoms. Singleton births were normal with the exceptions of an intrauterine fetal demise owing to acrania and a molar pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

OI usually affects a single rectus muscle (typically the lateral) and, less often, the lacrimal gland and is often mild when it arises during or after pregnancy. Independent systemic autoimmune disease is an uncommon feature. Corticosteroids were efficacious except in 1 case with severe orbital scarring. No definitive causal relationships between pregnancy and OI could be established based on the clinical data.