Ankylosing spondylitis presented as unilateral optic neuritis in a young woman.

PURPOSE: To report a case of ankylosing spondylitis that initially presented as unilateral optic neuritis.

METHODS

Case report.

DESIGN

Clinical findings and treatment are presented. A 31-year-old woman presented with unilateral optic neuritis in her right eye. Her symptom improved following pulse steroid therapy. Unfortunately, she developed severe pain and weakness in her bilateral knee and ankle joints during follow-up. Further investigation revealed a positive finding of HLA-B27 and bilateral sacroiliitis. Ankylosing spondylitis was confirmed and was treated with Salazine and Mobic.

CONCLUSIONS

Optic neuritis is rarely the first symptom of AS. Careful surveying and prompt treatment is necessary.