Bilateral neuroretinitis and membranous lupus nephritis: 2 infrequent manifestations in juvenile lupus

Fifteen-year-old female patient, previously healthy, referred to our center for presenting abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, malar erythema, palpebral and lower limb edema, arthralgia, morning stiffness and bilateral blurred vision. Laboratory and imaging studies together with the clinic allowed the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus. Ophthalmology examination revealed a visual acuity of 8/10 in both eyes and bilateral disc edema with partial macular star, findings compatible with bilateral neuroretinitis. Renal biopsy established the diagnosis of membranous lupus nephritis. Immunosuppressive treatment was started, obtaining gradual clinical improvement. Although systemic lupus erythematosus with membranous lupus nephritis and neuroretinitis is a very infrequent association, when faced with a patient with bilateral neuroretinitis, we must consider systemic lupus erythematosus within the differential diagnoses.

Neuroretinitis caused by Bartonella henselae in Gipuzkoa, 2014-2019

INTRODUCTION

Bartonella henselae causes cat scratch disease (CSD), spread by a cat scratch or bite. Cats are its main reservoir. This sometimes results in optic neuritis or neuroretinitis.

OBJECTIVE

To review these conditions in Gipuzkoa (Spain), 2014-2019.

METHODS

A retrospective review of serology registries and clinical registries, selecting those with consistent clinical signs, contact with cats and positive serology for B. henselae (IgG-IFA ≥1/256).

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients had CSD. Of these, one had optic neuritis and 3 had neuroretinitis (4/64; 6.3%). In 3 patients, flu-like symptoms preceded eye symptoms. Two suffered from loss of visual acuity at discharge, despite prolonged treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

Optic neuritis and neuroretinitis caused by B. henselae are severe complications with a non-negligible incidence among patients with CSD in Gipuzkoa. We recommend ruling out CSD in patients with symptoms of optic neuritis or neuroretinitis (sudden vision loss, etc.) and contact with cats.

Neuroretinitis caused by Bartonella henselae in Gipuzkoa, 2014-2019

INTRODUCTION

Bartonella henselae causes cat scratch disease (CSD), spread by a cat scratch or bite. Cats are its main reservoir. This sometimes results in optic neuritis or neuroretinitis.

OBJECTIVE

To review these conditions in Gipuzkoa (Spain), 2014-2019.

METHODS

A retrospective review of serology and clinical records, selecting those with consistent clinical signs, contact with cats and positive serology for B. henselae (IgG-IFA≥1/256).

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients had CSD. Of these, one had optic neuritis and 3 had neuroretinitis (4/64; 6.3%). In 3 patients, flu-like symptoms preceded eye symptoms. Two suffered from loss of visual acuity at discharge, despite prolonged treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

Optic neuritis and neuroretinitis caused by B. henselae are severe complications with a non-negligible incidence among patients with CSD in Gipuzkoa. We recommend ruling out CSD in patients with symptoms of optic neuritis or neuroretinitis (sudden vision loss, etc.) and contact with cats.

About 3 cases of post-acute retinopathy of chikungunya fever

A descriptive study is presented on a case series of 3 patients, with IgM an IgG serology diagnosis of Chikungunya in whom other metabolic, autoimmune and infectious diseases were ruled out. They presented with other ocular manifestations with vascular changes and inflammatory characteristics. They were treated at the Retinovascular and Retinal and Vitreous clinics at the "Dr. Rodolfo Robles Valverde Hospital" and "Benemérito Comité Pro-ciegos y Sordos" in Guatemala City during 2019. Guatemala is a country with a high prevalence of vector-borne diseases, including chikungunya. In recent years cases of this disease has increased in recent years, and complications are currently seen more frequently. Within these complications, there have been reports of cases of optic neuritis, iridocyclitis, episcleritis, retinitis, uveitis, and blood dyscrasia that can affect the retina. It is important to consider these as an important differential diagnosis of ocular vascular alterations.

Leber's idiopathic stellate neuroretinitis: diagnostic and therapeutic conflicts

Three cases of patients with decreased visual acuity and papillitis at onset with subsequent macular star development after a few weeks are presented. Complementary tests were unremarkable in all included patients. Based on this clinical context, they were diagnosed with Leber's idiopathic stellate neuroretinitis, were treated with corticosteroids, as well as with antibiotics in 2cases. All patients showed favourable outcomes, although signs of papillary atrophy were observed in the affected eyes. Leber's idiopathic stellate neuroretinitis diagnosis can be challenging due to the wide spectrum of conditions that have to be ruled out. In addition, macular star may appear later on, which should not exclude its diagnosis. Use of antibiotics and/or corticosteroids is controversial considering its benign nature, but should be considered in selected severe cases. Moreover, the routine use of complementary tests should be carefully evaluated, mainly those that can be aggressive and/or expensive, which should be rationally used.

Papillitis and neuroretinitis of tuberculous etiology

A 57-year-old man with miliary tuberculosis reported visual loss in his right eye, a month after starting a four-drug antituberculous treatment regimen. On exploration, an inferior segmental optic disc edema was objectived and it was attributed to ischemic aetiology. Ethambutol was withdrawn and 60mg of oral prednisone daily were given with a tapering dosage. One and a half months later, he presented a sudden loss of vision in his left eye. In fundoscopy, a papillary edema accompanied by a foveal neurosensory detachment was observed but with no more accompanying uveitic signs. Treatment was intensified with moxifloxacin and corticosteroids were reduced, showing a resolution of the macular detachment but with optic atrophy. Isolated tuberculous involvement of the optic nerve may possible in the context of miliary tuberculosis. In this case, the adopted therapeutic approach to the initial papillitis, which was interpreted as ischemic, could favour the appearance of a neuroretinitis in the fellow eye.

Case series of ocular involvement due to dengue. First reported cases in Guatemala

OBJECTIVE

Describe the ocular findings of a case series of 8 patients with a diagnosis of dengue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Review of clinical records and interviews with patients during outpatient visits, after informed consent was obtained and following the ethical standards of the Helsinki declaration. The patients were diagnosed with diagnosis by IgM / IgG dengue serology in whom ocular involvement was identified, between January and October 2017 in Retinal-vascular clinic of the "Dr. Rodolfo Robles Valverde Hospital", Guatemala.

RESULTS

The 8 patients, 5 men and 3 women from rural areas in Guatemala, were diagnosed with dengue by IgM / IgG serology with associated ocular involvement. The mean age was 32.3 years, with the oldest being 45 years old and the youngest being 20 years old. The ocular manifestations identified were, 4 neuroretinitis, 3 venous obstructions, 3 maculopathies, 2 serous detachments, 1 episcleritis, and 1 vasculitis. Two patients developed optic atrophy after resolving the neuroretinitis, and 1 developed peri-foveal scarring after the maculopathy. The ocular involvement was resolved in all patients after treatment, with an improvement in visual acuity, although in some cases damage to the visual field developed as a sequela of neuroretinitis.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to consider dengue as an important differential diagnosis in an endemic country such as Guatemala. There are a large number of ocular manifestations due to direct involvement, as well as by an immune system reaction, and thus avoid considering the different ocular manifestations as idiopathic, or due to a different condition.

[Early treatment of idiopathic vasculitis, aneurysms and neuroretinitis (IRVAN). A case report]

CASE REPORT

A 55 year old woman presented with retinal vasculitis, multiple aneurysms, macular exudation and widespread retinal nonperfusion and was diagnosed with IRVAN. She was treated with panretinal laser photocoagulation. After 3 years of follow up visual acuity remains stable and there are no complications due to ischaemic sequelae.

DISCUSSION

IRVAN syndrome with neovascularisation can progress rapidly despite laser treatment. Panretinal laser photocoagulation has to be considered in the early stages as it is effective in stopping the progression of ischaemia.