Choroiditis, Pigment Epithelial Detachment, and Cystoid Macular Edema as Complications of Poststreptococcal Syndrome

Acute Uveitis in a Background of Streptococcal Sepsis: Infective or Inflammatory?

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology of uveitis in a patient with post-streptococcal syndrome with evidence of bacterial sepsis may be difficult to classify as being infective or an inflammatory etiology.

CASE REPORT

Our patient presented with uveitis with systemic features of reactive arthritis and acute renal failure in a background of sepsis with group A streptococcus. Treatment with topical steroids lead to the resolution of this type of uveitis.

CONCLUSION

It is safe to consider uveitis as being inflammatory rather than infectious and treat appropriately, when evidence suggesting other features of post -streptococcal syndrome are present.

Post-streptococcal uveitis syndrome in a Caucasian population: a case series

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Uveitis is an uncommon manifestation of post-streptococcal syndrome (PSUS). Despite reports, the condition is often not well recognised. The purpose of this study is to report a case series of children with post-streptococcal uveitis.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In this retrospective case series, all cases of PSUS were identified from all new paediatric patients diagnosed with uveitis over a 6-year period. Diagnosis of PSUS was based on the following diagnostic criteria: unilateral or bilateral uveitis with positive anti-streptolysin O titres (ASOT) or anti-deoxyribonuclease (anti-DNase) titres, and negative routine investigations for other causes of uveitis.

RESULTS

Eleven Caucasian paediatric patients were diagnosed with PSUS. One had a novel finding of peripheral corneal endotheliopathy, 73% of patients presented in spring or winter months and 88% of eyes had a final VA of better than or equal to 6/12 at a mean follow-up of 22 months. Systemic immunosuppressant treatment was used in 36% of patients. Adalimumab was used in 18% of patient's refractory to other treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We report on the largest consecutive series of Caucasian patients under 16 years of age with PSUS. We have demonstrated a seasonal preponderance with presentation typically in winter or spring. We report a novel finding of corneal endotheliopathy in one of our PSUS patients. We also report on the benefit of adalimumab in the management of severe cases of PSUS; use of biologics in this particular cohort of uveitis patients has not previously been reported. With aggressive treatment our patients achieved good visual outcomes comparable to other published series.

Unilateral granulomatous post-streptococcal uveitis with elevated tension

PURPOSE

We document a presumptive case of unilateral post-streptococcal uveitis. The affected eye manifested a granulomatous anterior uveitis with elevated intra-ocular pressure (IOP) compared with the contra-lateral eye. This presentation was preceded by a recent streptococcal pharyngitis.

CASE REPORT

An asymptomatic, otherwise healthy 13-year-old black female presented with anterior chamber cells, mutton fat resembling keratic precipitates, and elevated IOP in the left eye relative to the right eye. The patient had been diagnosed with streptococcal pharyngitis approximately 1 week before her eye examination. A blood chemistry analysis, rheumatoid profile panel and antistreptolysin antibody titer were requested. The patient was prescribed predinisolone acetate 1% ophthalmic suspension in the left eye.

RESULTS

Anti-streptolysin antibody titers were significantly elevated (291 IU/ml). The patient responded favorably to topical ophthalmic steroid treatment with a reduction of IOP and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral, granulomatous anterior uveitis may be a variant manifestation of post-streptococcal uveitis. The IOP elevation in these cases may result secondary to concurrent trabeculitis.

Post-streptococcal uveitis

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical features of post-streptococcal uveitis (PSU) and examine management strategies in the treatment of this under-recognized condition.

METHODS

Patients were identified from the world literature using the Pubmed search engine. We examined two new cases of post-streptococcal intermediate uveitis. The epidemiology, immune mechanisms, clinical features, investigations, treatments and visual outcomes were examined and recorded.

RESULTS

We reviewed 11 patients including our own two cases. There was a statistically significant seasonal difference in antistreptolysin-O titres (ASOT), and age-related ASOT was identified. Of the 11 patients, eight (72.7%) had anterior uveitis, two (18.2%) had intermediate uveitis and one (9.1%) had panuveitis. Their ages ranged from 5 to 56 years (mean 17 years). The majority of cases had significantly elevated ASOT; most patients were treated with topical steroids and oral antibiotics and four cases underwent adenotonsillectomy. The visual prognosis was good in most cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Uveitis may be the sole presenting clinical feature, or it may occur in combination with other features of post-streptococcal infection. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the clinical features of PSU and maintain a high level of suspicion, particularly in childhood uveitis.