Serpiginous-Like Choroiditis with ANCA-PR3 Vasculitis in a Patient from Endemic Country: A Complex Phenotypic, Immunological and Epidemiological Puzzle.

PURPOSE: To report a complex case of serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC) in a patient with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-anti-proteinase 3 (PR3)-associated vasculitis with systemic involvement.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 40-year-old male from a tuberculosis (TB)-endemic region presented with bilateral active SLC lesions. He was diagnosed with ANCA-PR3 vasculitis with unilateral otitis media, nasopharyngeal mass, lung abscess, pleurisy, and joint pain, all of which responded well to corticosteroids and rituximab. Extensive evaluations and biopsies ruled out Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Despite consensus criteria recommending anti-tubercular therapy (ATT), the SLC lesions were effectively managed with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant and systemic azathioprine, showing no recurrence at 18 months without ATT.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of SLC lesions in the context of systemic autoimmune conditions like ANCA-PR3 vasculitis is uncommon. In these cases, the need for ATT should be carefully evaluated, with close attention to systemic disease manifestations and tailored management strategies.