Posterior segment inflammation in HLA-B27+ acute anterior uveitis: clinical characteristics

Characterisation of delayed severity flares in patients with HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To explore and characterise the clinical phenotype of acute anterior uveitis flares with delayed severity in patients with human leucocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27)-associated anterior uveitis.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients with HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, as well as the clinical characteristics of acute anterior uveitis flares. A flare was considered to have delayed severity if any of the following criteria were met within 3-21 days of symptomatic onset: a two-step increase in anterior chamber inflammation on consecutive exams; a new development of hypopyon or fibrinoid aqueous reaction on consecutive examinations or a significant worsening of symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 371 patient charts were identified, of which 137 were included. 321 acute anterior uveitis flares were documented, with 36 (11.2%) meeting the criteria for a delayed severity flare. The average time from symptomatic onset was 10.2 days, and patients presented with an average anterior chamber cell grade of 3.5 in delayed severity flares compared with 1.6 in non-delayed severity flares. No significant difference in frequency of delayed severity presentation was noted based on the presence or absence of systemically associated rheumatological disease, papillitis on initial presentation and retinal vasculitis on initial presentation. The frequency of topical steroid therapy after symptomatic onset was not significantly different between the two flare phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study presents the novel characterisation of a delayed severity phenotype of HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis flares.

Persistent Inflammation Associated With HLA-B27 After Pars Plana Vitrectomy With Scleral Buckle Placement

Purpose: To report 2 cases of persistent inflammation associated with human leukocyte antigen-B27 (HLA-B27) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with scleral buckling. Methods: Two cases were analyzed. Results: A 47-year-old man had pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckle (SB) placement, and endolaser for a macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). A 61-year-old man also had uneventful PPV, SB placement, and endolaser for a macula-off RRD. Postoperatively, both patients reported eye pain and had persistent intraocular inflammation. Both were found to be HLA-B27 positive despite having no previous signs or symptoms that would warrant HLA-B27 testing. Conclusions: Discovering the source of prolonged postoperative inflammation is critical in initiating the correct treatment and removing suspicion of infection. Although intraocular inflammation associated with HLA-B27 does not often present initially after surgery, HLA-B27 testing should be considered in cases of persistent, unexpected postoperative inflammation.

Posterior Segment Ocular Findings in HLA-B27 Positive Patients with Uveitis: A Retrospective Analysis

Purpose

To describe the prevalence and characteristics of posterior segment manifestations in patients with HLA-B27-associated uveitis using wide field imaging.

Methods

Medical records of patients diagnosed with HLA-B27-associated uveitis from a tertiary uveitis clinic were reviewed. Posterior segment involvements including but not limited to peripheral vasculitis, optic disc inflammation, and macula edema documented based on medical records and various imaging modalities including wide field fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, were noted. Demographic characteristics, accompanied with systemic diseases as well as duration and chronicity of uveitis, were also evaluated. Patients with significant systemic and ocular comorbidities were excluded. Statistical analyses including chi-squared tests and paired t-tests were employed.

Results

Of the 44 patients with HLA-B27 associated uveitis, 22 patients (50%) were noted to demonstrate posterior segment involvement. Disc leakage and peripheral vasculitis were the most common findings of posterior involvement. Those with anterior chamber inflammation were found to have a significantly increased risk of posterior involvement. Those with posterior involvement were also noted to have a statistically significant decreased visual acuity. No significant association was found between documented duration of disease and posterior segment involvement.

Conclusion

The prevalence of posterior segment involvement in HLA-B27 associated uveitis is higher compared to previous reports when evaluated with wide angle imaging modalities. Careful examination of the posterior segment is required in patients with HLA-B27 associated uveitis.

Uveitis increases the risk of stroke among patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A nationwide population-based longitudinal study

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is known to increase the risk of stroke. Among patients with AS, uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation. However, no previous investigations have discussed the association between uveitis and the risk for developing stroke in patients with AS. This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the relationship between uveitis and the incidence of stroke in patients with AS by obtaining medical records from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2015, from the National Health Insurance Research Database, according to the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. The primary outcome was the incidence of stroke. Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to analyze variables. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models with and without Fine and Gray’s competing risk model were used to analyze data. Total 828 AS patients with uveitis and 3,312 AS patients without uveitis were identified. During the follow-up period, 137 patients in the uveitis group and 344 in the non-uveitis group developed stroke. Uveitis is a significant risk factor for stroke development in patients with AS (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.846, p < 0.001). Age, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation were associated with a higher risk of stroke. After subgroup analysis, both anterior uveitis and posterior segment involvement were found to increase the risk of stroke in patients with AS. Uveitis is associated with an increased risk in both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in patients with AS. Therefore, when uveitis is identified, clinicians should pay more attention to the cerebrovascular risk in patients with AS, especially in those with underlying comorbidities.

Intermediate Uveitis: A Review

PURPOSE

This review aims to provide an update on the clinical presentation, etiologies, complications, and treatment options in intermediate uveitis (IU).

METHODS

Narrative literature review.

RESULTS

IU affects all age groups with no clear gender predominance and has varied etiologies including systemic illnesses and infectious diseases, or pars planitis. In some instances, IU may be the sole presentation of an underlying associated condition or disease. Management of IU and its complications include administration of corticosteroids, antimetabolites, T-cell inhibitors, and/or biologics, along with surgical interventions, with varying degrees of effectiveness across literature. In particular, increasing evidence of the safety and efficacy of immunomodulatory agents and biologics has seen greater adoption of these therapies in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

IU is an anatomical description of uveitis, involving intraocular inflammation of the vitreous, peripheral retinal vasculature, and pars plana. Various treatment options for intermediate uveitis are currently used in practice.

Uveitis Patterns and Severity: An Epidemiologic Study from a Tertiary Care Private Referral Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina

PURPOSE

To report uveitis' spectrum in a private practice cohort in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

METHODS

Retrospective review at Instituto de la Visión (November 2011-October 2015). Standard demographics, ethnicity and Native American aboriginal ancestry were recorded.

RESULTS

Among 212 patients, median age 45 (6-97), 10% pediatric, 35% bilateral, 72% non-idiopathic, 36% infectious. Anterior uveitis presented in 50%, followed by posterior (32%), intermediate (9%) and panuveitis (8%). Frequent visits (≥ 6 per year) needed by 29%: posterior, non-idiopathic disease with 79% systemic immunosuppression requirement was their main presentation. Native American aboriginal ancestry was reported by 22.64% of the whole cohort and 37% of frequent visits' subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral, non-idiopathic, non-infectious anterior uveitis was the most frequent presentation, in agreement with reports coming from western developed cities. The multi-racial Argentinian population with specific Native American aboriginal ancestry might contribute to certain forms of posterior uveitis and their response to treatment.

Uveitis as a Risk Factor for Developing Acute Myocardial Infarction in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A National Population-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Excess cardiovascular risks were well recognized in patients with AS and were attributed to prolonged systemic inflammation. Uveitis is one of the most common extra-articular symptoms of AS and is also considered an indicator of systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate whether uveitis was a risk factor for developing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with AS using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

Methods

Data were collected from the NHIRD over a fifteen-year period. Variables were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Risk factors for the occurrence of AMI were examined by calculating hazard ratio. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to compare the cumulative incidence of AMI in the uveitis and non-uveitis cohorts.

Results

A total of 5905 patients with AS were enrolled, including 1181 patients with uveitis (20%) and 4724 patients without uveitis (80%). The Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test showed that the uveitis group had a significantly higher cumulative hazard for patients with AMI than the non-uveitis group (p < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of AMI was higher in the uveitis group than in the non-uveitis group (aHR = 1.653, p < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that patients with uveitis had an increased risk of developing AMI regardless of their sex (male/female aHR = 1.688/1.608, p < 0.001). Patients with uveitis in all age groups were independently associated with an increased risk of developing AMI compared to those without uveitis (20–39 years/40–59 years/≥ 60 years, aHR = 1.550, 1.579, 3.240, p < 0.001). Patients with uveitis had a higher probability of developing AMI regardless of comorbidities. Uveitis patients with comorbidities had a higher risk of developing AMI compared to uveitis patients without comorbidities.

Conclusion

Uveitis is a significant risk factor for developing AMI in patients with AS. Physicians should be aware of the potential cardiovascular risk in AS patients with uveitis, especially simultaneously with other traditional risk factors of AMI. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism between uveitis and AMI in patients with AS.

Varicella-zoster virus infection presenting with unilateral keratouveitis and papillitis in an immunocompetent adult

We report a case of unilateral varicella-zoster virus (VZV) related keratouveitis and papillitis. A 54-year-old male presented with headache, left forehead rash, and decreased vision in the left eye. Examination of the left eye showed visual acuity (VA) of 0.15, relative afferent pupillary defect, anterior stromal corneal edema, nongranulomatous keratic precipitates, a swollen and hyperemic optic disc. The patient could read 6/12 of the Ishihara plates in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed optic disc edema and OCT angiography (OCTA) revealed increased peripapillary vascularity. Computerized visual field testing demonstrated an enlarged blind spot and lower altitudinal defect. Serum anti-varicella-zoster IgM antibody level was elevated. The patient was put on oral acyclovir and prednisone treatment. At 1-month follow-up visit, VA increased to 0.9 and color vision was 11/12 Ishihara plates. OCT showed resolution of optic disc edema and OCTA demonstrated normalization of the increased peripapillary vascularity. Computerized visual field test demonstrated improvement in the lower altitudinal visual field defect and normalization of the enlarged blind spot. Optic nerve involvement in VZV infection occurs rarely, especially in immunocompetent patients as in our case.

A painful red eye in an intravenous drug abuser: When not everything is what it seems

INTRODUCTION

Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare but devastating ocular infection, resulting from microbial seeding of the eye during bacteremia or fungemia. Among other sources of septicemia, intravenous drug abuse is a significant risk factor, and endogenous endophthalmitis should always be thought of in any patient with a history of injectable drug use, presenting with a painful vision loss and a red inflamed eye.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report the case of a 47-year-old male, with a history of injectable drug consumption, who presented to our emergency department complaining of a painful red eye and recent deterioration of visual acuity. After the first clinical hypothesis of endogenous endophthalmitis being considered, the final diagnosis of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) B27-associated acute anterior uveitis was established.

CONCLUSION

Ocular inflammation is one of the most challenging fields in all ophthalmology. Several inflammatory disorders, ranging from a wide variety of infectious and non-infectious conditions, can present themselves with the same clinical signs and symptoms, making their diagnosis extremely defiant.

Fluorescein Angiographic Findings and Recurrence of Human Leukocyte Antigen-B27-Associated Anterior Uveitis

Purpose: To evaluate the associations of fluorescein angiographic findings with recurrence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27-associated anterior uveitis.Methods: Medical records of 56 eyes of 56 patients with first-onset, treatment-naive HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis who performed fluorescein angiography was analyzed. We recorded the fluorescein angiographic findings of optic disc and peripheral vascular leakage and anterior chamber inflammation at the first visit. The 1-year recurrences and times to the first recurrences and the associations between them were investigated.Results: Fluorescein angiography revealed optic disc leakage in 23 patients (41.1%) and peripheral vascular leakage in 36 (64.3%). We found no significant association between the anterior chamber inflammation grade and either optic disc (p = 0.841) or peripheral vascular (p = 0.775) leakage. The 1-year recurrence rate in the optic disc leakage-positive group was significantly higher than in the leakage-negative group (14 patients, 60.9% vs. 11 patients, 33.3%) (p = 0.041), but peripheral vascular leakage status did not significantly affect the recurrence rate (19 leakage-positive patients, 52.8% vs. 8 leakage-negative patients, 40.0%) (p = 0.602). The time to first recurrence was not significantly associated with age (p = 0.772), anterior chamber inflammation (p = 0.841), optic disc leakage (p = 0.108), or systemic corticosteroid use (p = 0.321).Conclusions: We sought correlations between angiographic leakage in patients with HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis, and the 1-year recurrence rate and the time to first recurrence. Careful follow-up for at least 1 year after initial diagnosis is essential to monitor possible recurrence in patients with optic disc leakage.

Ocular manifestations of HLA B 27 associated uveitis: a study of 255 cases from a tertiary eye care centre from South India

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical profile of HLA B-27-associated uveitis in Indian population.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of 431 eyes of 255 consecutive patients with HLA B-27-associated uveitis, presented to our institute between 2012 and 2017.

RESULT

The study observed a male preponderance (75.7%) and the mean age of patients was 35.6 ± 13.3 years. A total of 412 (95.3%) eyes had anterior uveitis, 17(3.9%) eyes had anterior and intermediate uveitis and 3 eyes (0.7%) had intermediate uveitis. Retinal vasculitis was detected in four eyes (0.9%). A total of 176 patients (69%) in the study had evidence of systemic disease and 85% patients developed recurrences. In addition to the treatment with topical and oral steroid, immunosuppressive was required in 39.6% patients and 4% patients received biological therapy. The majority of the eyes (78.4%) had a good visual outcome, while 61 (14.2%) eyes had moderate visual impairment and 32 (7.4%) eyes had severe visual impairment at the time of final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

HLA-B27-associated uveitis can be associated with higher number of posterior segment involvement than it is estimated and aggressive therapy in moderate-to-severe uveitis can prevent severe visual impairment in these patients.

Recent Developments in HLA B27 Anterior Uveitis

There has been steady progress in understanding the pathogenesis, clinical features, and effective treatment of acute anterior uveitis (AU) over the past 5 years. Large gene wide association studies have confirmed that AU is a polygenic disease, with overlaps with the seronegative arthropathies and inflammatory bowel diseases, associations that have been repeatedly confirmed in clinical studies. The role of the microbiome in AU has received increased research attention, with recent evidence indicating that human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA B27) may influence the composition of the gut microbiome in experimental animals. Extensive clinical investigations have confirmed the typical features of acute AU (AAU) and its response to topical, regional and systemic immunosuppressive treatment. Increased understanding of the role of cytokines has resulted in studies confirming the value of anti-cytokine therapy [anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) therapy] in severe and recurrent cases of AAU, particularly in subjects with an associated spondyloarthopathy (SpA) and in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated AAU.

Diagnostic dilemma: Unilateral panuveitis mimicking endophthalmitis in very severe HLA B27-associated uveitis

Purpose

To report a case of a 28-years-old male who presented with a worsening unilateral panuveitis after intensive topical steroid therapy which resulted in a diagnostic and treatment dilemma as to whether the patient should be treated as for infective endophthalmitis despite no immediate known infective risk factors.

Observations

A patient presented initially with unilateral non-granulomatous acute anterior uveitis which worsened after being started on intensive steroid therapy, developing fibrinous panuveitis. The rapid worsening of inflammation and vision deterioration despite being on intensive steroid therapy resulted in the patient subsequently being treated as for infective endophthalmitis. Anterior chamber and vitreous tap were done and intravitreal antibiotics were administered, along with topical antibiotics therapy. Vitrectomy was withheld due to the lack of conclusive evidence of infective etiology and risk factors. Full uveitis and infective workup were done. Investigations were largely unremarkable, and fluid and vitreous cultures were negative. HLA B27 was positive. The patient was subsequently started on systemic oral corticosteroids and improved in terms of his visual acuity, signs and symptoms.

Conclusions

HLA B27-associated uveitis can present in a range of clinical spectrum with the extreme being of unusual severity in the form of fibrinous panuveitis that can mimic infective endophthalmitis. This can lead to a dilemma in management and subject patients to unnecessary risks from diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Patients under this subgroup may require long term systemic immunosuppression therapy for disease remission and will require long term follow up.

Use of Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha Agents in the Management of HLA-B-27-Associated Uveitis: The First Case Series from India

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adalimumab (ADL) and golimumab (GLM) in patients with HLA-B-27-associated uveitis.Method: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with HLA-B-27-associated uveitis who had received subcutaneous GLM and ADL between 2014 and 2018.Results: The study included 14 patients, 12 of whom received subcutaneous ADL and two patients were treated with subcutaneous GLM. Median age of the patients was 31.5 years (range 17-53 years). The most common associated systemic disease in these patients was ankylosing spondylitis (92.8%). Majority of the patients had anterior uveitis (71.4%) followed by anterior uveitis and intermediate uveitis (28.6%).Conclusion: ADL/GLM is a useful therapeutic option in refractory cases of HLA-B-27-associated uveitis, especially in patients with associated systemic manifestations.

Characteristics of retinal layer thickness in acute anterior uveitis: an optical coherence tomography study

PURPOSE

To determine the changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thicknesses in patients with acute anterior uveitis (AAU).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with unilateral non-infectious AAU and normal control were enrolled retrospectively. Optical coherence tomography scans were performed during the initial active phase and inactive phase of AAU. Patients were followed for at least 3 months after resolution of inflammatory activity.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven AAU patients and 40 controls were included. The average RNFL and central macular thickness (CMT) showed significant differences between patients and control groups during active phase (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively). The average pRNFL thicknesses of affected eyes and fellow eyes during the active phase were 109.4 ± 12.5 μm and 96.5 ± 8.0 μm, respectively (p < 0.001). During the inactive phase, the average thicknesses were 99.3 ± 8.9 μm and 97.0 ± 7.5, respectively; they were not significantly different (p = 0.236). The CMTs of affected and fellow eyes during the active phase were 261.6 ± 24.7 μm and 251.5 ± 17.3 μm, respectively; the difference was significant (p = 0.047). The average GC-IPL thicknesses of affected and fellow eyes were not significantly different (p = 0.061).

CONCLUSIONS

The pRNFL and central macula thickened during the active phase of AAU and decreased to a similar degree with fellow eyes during the inactive phase. Additionally, pRNFL thickness showed a sensitive response to the degree of inflammation in AAU. This suggests that pRNFL thickness may be useful in assessing disease activity.

Fecal transplants in spondyloarthritis and uveitis: ready for a clinical trial?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The intestinal microbiome is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are many shared clinical manifestations between IBD and spondyloarthritis (SpA), of which the most common are peripheral arthritis and uveitis. Clinical overlap along with similar genetics between these diseases suggests a possible shared pathogenetic mechanism, which might center on the intestinal microbiota. In this review, we discuss the available evidence that SpA is a microbiome-driven disease and indicate how SpA-associated uveitis could be tied to gut dysbiosis. We conclude by discussing different treatment paradigms targeting the intestinal microbiome for SpA.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies support the growing evidence of the intestinal microbiome as a crucial player in SpA disease pathogenesis. There is emerging evidence that the gut microbiome may play a causative role in uveitis.

SUMMARY

The field is beginning to discover a new level of understanding how the intestinal microbiome is involved in SpA. Treatment methods to alter intestinal microbiota to treat SpA-related diseases are still in its infancy.

Potential predictors for frequent relapse in human leukocyte antigen-B27-associated uveitis

PURPOSE

To identify potential predictors for frequent relapse in a cohort of patients with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27-associated uveitis in a tertiary referral center at the initial visit.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study comprised 130 patients diagnosed with HLA-B27-associated uveitis. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the frequency of uveitis attacks (number/year): frequent relapse (FR) (who relapsed more than twice a year, 38) and infrequent relapse (IR) group (who relapsed twice or less than twice a year, 92).

RESULTS

The FR group presented more often with hypopyon or posterior synechiae at the initial presentation. Interestingly, posterior segment involvements including vitritis, vasculitis, or cystoid macular edema were not significantly different between the groups. In terms of laboratory findings, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was higher in the FR group. Multivariate Cox hazards analysis showed male sex, the presence of hypopyon, and ESR to be potential predictive factors for frequent relapse.

CONCLUSION

We found that male sex, hypopyon at presentation, and high ESR are potential predictors for frequent relapse in HLA-B27-associated uveitis. Identifying patients at higher risk of relapse could provide important information for patients, allowing patients to understand their condition and increase their acceptance of strict management.

Aggressive Initial Presentation of HLA-B27 Uveitis in Older Individuals: A Case Series

PURPOSE

HLA-B27-associated uveitis is classically thought to be a disease of the young, with a median age of onset in the 30s. There is a paucity of literature reporting on older individuals with HLA-B27 uveitis. Here, we describe cases of HLA-B27 uveitis presenting initially at age ≥70.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with HLA-B27-associated uveitis that presented initially at ≥70 years of age.

RESULTS

Three patients were identified. All presented with aggressive inflammation (hypopyon in two cases) and two were treated for suspected endophthalmitis. All cases were controlled sufficiently with prolonged topical anti-inflammatory therapy. One patient who was lost to follow-up demonstrated one recurrence over a 3-year period.

CONCLUSIONS

This series highlights the aggressive initial presentation of HLA-B27-associated uveitis in the older population, and demonstrates the favorable response, and limitation of recurrences, with topical immunosuppressive therapy.

Anti-TNFα Treatment for HLA-B27-Positive Ankylosing Spondylitis-Related Uveitis

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term efficacy of the most widely used anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) agents for treatment of HLA-B27-positive ankylosing spondylitis (AS)-related uveitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

The medical records of 143 patients with HLA-B27-positive AS who visited Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and were taking an anti-TNFα agent for at least 1 year were studied. Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to anti-TNFα treatment: Group 1 (infliximab, 66), Group 2 (adalimumab, 45), and Group 3 (etanercept, 32).

RESULTS

Mean age was 41.0 ± 13.0 years, and 97 patients (67.8%) were male. Mean follow-up period was 70.6 ± 37.9 months. In cases of active ocular inflammation at the onset of anti-TNFα treatment, patients showed improved activity of uveitis after 24.0 ± 15.0 days (Group 1), 17.9 ± 6.0 days (Group 2), and 25.9 ± 18.0 days (Group 3). After the anti-TNFα treatment, 71 of 94 patients (32 [76.2%] in Group 1, 26 [78.8%] in Group 2, and 13 [68.4%] in Group 3) remained without uveitis relapse. A reduction in the number of systemic medications was achieved in 129 patients (90.2%). Twenty-eight cases of minor side effects were observed, and 4 cases were tuberculosis leading to discontinuation of anti-TNFα treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept were effective for treating and reducing the number of uveitis relapses in HLA-B27-positive AS. However, the risk of serious infections was noted, so ophthalmologists should consider the possibility that prolonged use of biologic agents may result in systemic side effects.

Potential Predictors of Poor Visual Outcome in Human Leukocyte Antigen-B27-Associated Uveitis

PURPOSE

To identify potential predictors of permanent vision loss in patients with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27-associated uveitis in a tertiary referral center.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

The charts of 212 patients (338 eyes) with HLA-B27-associated uveitis that visited the University Medical Center Utrecht with a follow-up of at least 6 months were retrospectively studied. Clinical features at presentation and during follow-up were compared to final visual outcome in quiescent state. Eyes with (sub-) normal vision (>20/50) were compared with visually impaired (≤20/50) and blind (≤5/50, or a visual field of <10 degrees) eyes, using survival analysis. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to analyze potential predictors for permanent vision loss.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 10.4 years (range, 0.5-44.7 years). During follow-up 226 eyes (66%) experienced vision loss up to 20/50, but most recovered. Twenty patients (9%) became permanently visually impaired or blind in at least 1 eye because of uveitis, after a median of 9.7 years (range, 0-20.9 years). The main cause was secondary glaucoma or related to glaucoma surgery (12/22 eyes, 55%). Survival analysis showed, after adjustment for age and sex, an ocular pressure of >21 mm Hg, hypotony, and panuveitis to be potential predictors at presentation, and the development of secondary glaucoma or hypotony to be predictors of blindness or visual impairment during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term visual prognosis of HLA-B27-associated uveitis is relatively good, but the true incidence of permanent vision loss is probably still underestimated. Our findings highlight the importance of proper control of intraocular pressure.

Gender and spondyloarthropathy-associated uveitis

Spondyloarthropathies encompass a group of inflammatory diseases with arthritis and other features such as enthesitis and dermatologic and gastrointestinal involvement. Up to 37% of spondyloarthropathy patients may develop uveitis which is typically bilateral asynchronous acute anterior uveitis. Spondyloarthropathies with and without uveitis are more prevalent among males; the reasons for gender imbalance are unclear. This review will focus on gender differences in the prevalence, incidence, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of uveitis associated with spondyloarthropathies.

Retinal vasculitis in rheumatic diseases: an unseen burden

Retinal vascular inflammation, a potentially blinding condition (herein: retinal vasculitis (RV)) is commonly associated with a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by systemic inflammatory cell infiltration and/or necrosis of blood vessel walls. RV may arise as an isolated ocular disorder, as part of systemic vasculitis (Wegener's granulomatosis and Adamantiadis-Behcet Disease), or it can be secondary to an underlying connective tissue disease (systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, and rheumatoid arthritis), systemic infection, or malignancy. Depending on the type of RV, it can be a potentially disabling condition, in the short or long term. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment and better prognosis. However, early diagnosis can be difficult, because these conditions usually present with nonspecific visual symptoms for a long period before diagnostic manifestations occur. The retina should be examined in warranted patients with verified rheumatic disease, since retinal vasculitis may be asymptomatic at the beginning (peripheral retinal disease). RV can be detected clinically (often accompanied by uveitis, scleritis, or macular edema) or revealed on fluorescein fundus angiography, even if minimal signs of retinal vessel inflammation are present. RV may also represent one of the possible extra-articular manifestations of the rheumatic disease. Rheumatologists should be familiar with the ocular manifestations of these disorders, since they may not only be sight-threatening, but more importantly, could be the presenting or even the very first manifestations of active, potentially lethal systemic disease in a patient with nonspecific rheumatologic presentation.

Bilateral macular thickening in mild unilateral anterior uveitis: is HLA-B27 involved?

BACKGROUND

Macular thickening (MT) without clinically recognized macular edema has been described in anterior uveitis (AU). Although fellow-eyes of patients have been used as controls in several studies, little is known about macular thickness in these eyes. We studied the rate and extent of MT in both AU-affected and quiescent fellow-eyes of phakic AU patients with good visual acuity (VA). We also assessed macular thickness related to HLA-B27 presence and to recurrence, since these issues have been almost unexplored by previous optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies.

METHODS

Patients with AU were prospectively included and macular thickness was measured with OCT initially and on follow up. Macular thickness in patients' affected eyes (n = 30) as well as in their quiet fellow-eyes (n = 28) was compared with eyes of age- and gender matched controls. Inter-ocular differences in macular thickness between AU affected eyes and their fellow-eyes were assessed in patients (n = 28), also in a subgroup with visual acuity ≥ 0.8 (n = 23) by one-sample Student's t-tests. Inter-ocular differences were also assessed related to HLA-B27 presence and related to the status of current AU episode (initial or relapse).

RESULTS

Subclinical MT is present in both quiet fellow-eyes and AU-affected eyes of patients. MT was found in most cases of AU, even in phakic eyes with good VA. There was a larger increase in macular thickness in HLA-B27-positive than in HLA-B27-negative patients. No differences in macular thickness were found between patients with their first AU episode and patients with recurrent episodes.

CONCLUSIONS

MT probably reflects systemic immune-mediated response to the inflammatory disorder in AU, and it is possible that HLA-B27-related factors are involved in the pathogenesis of AU. These observations are in line with and extend the current understanding of the mechanisms behind MT in AU.

Retinal thickening in iridocyclitis

PURPOSE

To determine the frequency of retinal thickening (RT) in eyes with iridocyclitis and to examine the correlations among anterior chamber (AC) inflammation, RT, and visual acuity.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

METHODS

Records were reviewed of patients seen at the Duke University Eye Center Uveitis Clinic from January 2002 through March 2008. Patients with unilateral iridocyclitis without panuveitis, vitreitis, pars planitis, posterior uveitis, or a combination thereof who had undergone optical coherence tomography (OCT) of both eyes were included. The AC cell grade and OCT-RT measurements were recorded. Subretinal fluid and intraretinal cysts were determined from OCT scans according to Duke Reading Center guidelines.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients were studied. RT typically was present in a ring-like distribution around the fovea. The median difference between the study eye and fellow eye in RT was statistically significant for total macular volume (TMV) and for all OCT subfields (P < .001). In the study eye, there was a modest correlation between the RT and AC cell grade for the OCT-TMV (P = .039; r(2) = 0.1) and the subfield comprised of the quadrants in the outer ring on OCT (P = .027; r(2) = 0.12), and between RT and visual acuity for OCT-TMV and all but the central subfields (P = .003 to .007; r(2) = 0.261 to 0.227). RT decreased after anti-inflammatory therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

RT is strongly associated with iridocyclitis and decreases after treatment. RT, as determined by OCT, is a useful clinical parameter to evaluate patients with iridocyclitis and to monitor response to treatment.

Cystoid macular edema

We review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology of cystoid macular edema (CME). Inflammatory, diabetic, post-cataract, and macular edema due to age-related macular degeneration is described. The role of chronic inflammation and hypoxia and direct macular traction is evaluated in each case according to different views from the literature. The different diagnostic methods for evaluating the edema are described. Special attention is given to fluoroangiography and the most modern methods of macula examination, such as ocular coherence tomography and multifocal electroretinography. Finally, we discuss the treatment of cystoid macular edema in relation to its etiology. In this chapter we briefly refer to the therapeutic value of laser treatment especially in diabetic maculopathy or vitrectomy in some selected cases. Our paper is focused mainly on recent therapeutic treatment with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide and anti-VEGF factors like bevacizumab (Avastin), ranibizumab (Lucentis), pegaptamid (Macugen), and others. The goal of this paper is to review the current status of this treatment for macular edema due to diabetic maculopathy, central retinal vein occlusion and post-cataract surgery. For this reason the results of recent multicenter clinical trials are quoted, as also our experience on the use of intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF factors and we discuss its value in clinical practice.

Human leukocyte antigen-B27-associated uveitis: long-term follow-up and gender differences

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical features and gender differences in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis (AAU) in long-term follow-up.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

The clinical records of 177 HLA-B27-positive patients (96 males [54%] and 81 females [46%]) who sought treatment for acute anterior uveitis (AAU) at the University Medical Center Utrecht between January 1995 and December 2005 were evaluated. All patients had a minimum follow-up of at least one year. The clinical data were analyzed at standardized intervals (one, five, and 10 years after the onset of uveitis).

RESULTS

Average age at onset of AAU was 36 years, with no differences between males and females. HLA-B27-associated systemic disease developed earlier in males than in females (31 vs 37 years; P=.021). Consequently, at onset of AAU, HLA-B27-associated systemic disease were more frequent in males than in females (25/75 [33%] males vs nine/54 [17%] females; P=.030); however over time, males and females were at equal risk of developing a HLA-B27-associated systemic disease. Bilateral uveitis developed more frequently in females (6/45 [13%] of males vs 11/35, [31%] of females; P=.05). In none of the patients did bilateral visual acuity of less than 0.5 develop after the follow-up of 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term visual prognosis of HLA-B27-associated AAU was favorable, despite the frequent attacks of severe AAU. At the onset of AAU, the prevalence of HLA-B27-associated systemic disease was more frequent in males, but after the onset of uveitis, the risk of developing a HLA-B27-associated systemic disease is similar for both males and females.

Bilateral papillitis associated with bilateral anterior uveitis in a child

Slit-lamp and dilated fundus examination of a 6-year-old boy revealed bilateral anterior uveitis associated with optic disk edema with mild leakage on fluorescein angiography in both eyes. Anterior uveitis resolved with topical therapy in 3 months and optic disk edema and fluorescein leakage 1 month later. Optic nerve function was intact. Resolution of optic disk edema followed that of anterior uveitis with no sequelae.

Repeated exacerbations of ocular inflammation with vitreous hemorrhage in a patient with HLA-B27 associated uveitis

HLA-B27 associated uveitis is characterized by recurrent alternating acute unilateral attacks of intraocular inflammation in the anterior chamber. The aim of this study was to report an unusual case of repeated exacerbations with vitreous hemorrhage in HLA-B27 associated uveitis. Thirty four-year-old man was diagnosed as HLA-B27 associated uveitis in his right eye. He showed repeated exacerbation of ocular inflammation with retinal vein dilation and small retinal hemorrhage following vitreous hemorrhage. Fluorescein fundus angiography a week before the appearance of vitreous hemorrhage showed no neovascularization. Oral prednisolone administration was started from 40mg/day with gradual tapering. About 3 weeks after the onset, most of the vitreous hemorrhage disappeared and visual acuity was improved to 20/20. Through the decreased vitreous hemorrhage, Weiss ring was detected later. The vitreous hemorrhage found in this patient is a severe exacerbation, and might be a consequence of the vitritis that leads to posterior vitreous detachment.

Posterior scleritis and its association with HLA B27 haplotype

BACKGROUND

Posterior scleritis is most commonly idiopathic but is also found in association with systemic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. HLA B27 spondyloarthropathy manifests itself mainly in the form of anterior uveitis and anterior scleritis. Posterior scleritis has not been previously reported in patients with HLA B27 haplotype. We document the likely association between posterior scleritis and HLA B27 haplotype in a series of 5 patients who presented to the Ocular Inflammation and Immunology Services of the Singapore National Eye Centre.

METHODS

Retrospective observational case series. The medical records and ultrasound B scans of 5 patients with a diagnosis of posterior scleritis were reviewed.

RESULTS

The medical records of 5 patients (4 Chinese and 1 Malay) in the age range of 22-64 years were reviewed. All had unilateral disease (4 in the left eye and 1 in the right eye) at presentation. The most common presenting symptoms were pain (5) and blurring of vision (5); diplopia and proptosis was present in 2 patients. Two patients had anterior scleritis and all had an associated anterior uveitis. Posterior segment findings included optic disc edema (5), macular edema (5), choroidal folds (3), exudative retinal detachment (2) and choroidal effusion (1). All patients had a thickened sclera on serial ultrasound B scan. 2 patients had joint involvement preceding ocular signs and symptoms and were diagnosed to have ankylosing spondylitis. HLAB27 was positive in all our patients. Systemic workup for other diseases was negative. The ocular inflammation responded to a varying combination of topical, periocular and systemic steroids. One of them developed a recurrence of posterior scleritis which resolved with oral steroids. Visual outcome was satisfactory in all but 1 patient who had retinal pigment epithelium atrophy at the macula.

CONCLUSION

Although posterior scleritis has been reported in association with ankylosing spondylitis, it is not clear whether it is the HLAB27 haplotype that is associated with posterior scleritis or ankylosing spondylitis. All our patients were HLAB27 positive but 2 of them did not have an underlying spondyloarthropathy. This suggests the possible association of posterior scleritis with HLAB27 haplotype.

Acute anterior uveitis and HLA-B27

Acute anterior uveitis is the most common form of uveitis. HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis is a distinct clinical entity that has wide-ranging medical significance due to its ocular, systemic, immunologic, and genetic features. The association between HLA-B27 and the spectrum of HLA-B27-associated inflammatory diseases remains one of the strongest HLA-disease associations known to date. This review examines acute anterior uveitis with particular focus on HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis, including the epidemiology, immunopathology, association with HLA-B27 and its subtypes, clinical features, complications, prognosis, and potential new therapies such as anti-TNFalpha therapy and oral HLA-B27-peptide tolerance. There have been substantial recent advances in both clinical and basic scientific research in this field, including studies of the various animal models of acute anterior uveitis and the HLA-B27 transgenic animals, and these are summarized in this review. To the ophthalmologist, HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis is an important clinical entity that is common, afflicts relatively young patients in their most productive years, and is associated with significant ocular morbidity due to its typically recurrent attacks of inflammation and its potentially vision-threatening ocular complications. Furthermore, to the ophthalmologist and the internist, HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis is also of systemic importance due to its significant association with extraocular inflammatory diseases.

Optic disk edema associated with sudden-onset anterior uveitis

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical characteristics and course of optic disk edema (ODE) associated with isolated sudden-onset anterior uveitis.

DESIGN

Interventional, noncomparative retrospective case series.

METHODS

Review of patients with sudden-onset anterior uveitis and concomitant ODE seen in an academic uveitis referral center or a general ophthalmology clinic between August 2001 and November 2002.

RESULTS

A total of eleven eyes of seven patients were included. Optic nerve function was intact in all. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was normal in four of five and revealed an abnormality not felt to be responsible for the ODE in one. Resolution of anterior uveitis occurred over a mean of 36 days while ODE resolution lagged by a mean of 20 days.

CONCLUSION

Resolution of ODE trailed that of the anterior uveitis by up to 6 weeks. No abnormalities responsible for ODE were found on cranial imaging.

Sympathetic ophthalmia after a hyphema due to nonpenetrating trauma

PURPOSE

To report a case of sympathetic ophthalmia occurring after nonpenetrating ocular trauma.

METHODS

Interventional case report.

RESULTS

An 18-year-old white male presented with sympathetic ophthalmia four weeks after a hyphema from a nonpenetrating bungee cord injury. Vision was 20/20; there were keratic precipitates, anterior chamber cells, vitritis, and discrete yellow deep choroidal lesions consistent with Dalen-Fuch's nodules OU. The uveitis was treated with topical, oral, and periocular corticosteroids and the oral immunosuppressives cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil. Vision remained 20/20 OU for the first year of follow-up; vision OD then deteriorated to 20/50 over the next year with the formation of a posterior subcapsular cataract OD.

CONCLUSION

Sympathetic ophthalmia may result from nonpenetrating ocular trauma. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this as prompt intervention is warranted.