Hypopyon uveitis and relapsing polychondritis: a report of 2 patients and review of autoimmune hypopyon uveitis.

OBJECTIVE

To report hypopyon uveitis as an ophthalmic finding associated with relapsing polychondritis.

DESIGN

Interventional case reports.

PARTICIPANTS

Two patients with hypopyon uveitis as a manifestation of relapsing polychondritis.

METHODS

Complete ocular and systemic examinations as well as chart reviews were performed for 2 patients with hypopyon uveitis as a manifestation of relapsing polychondritis at presentation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical observation and response to treatment in 2 patients with hypopyon uveitis secondary to relapsing polychondritis.

RESULTS

A 70-year-old white male had unilateral hypopyon uveitis accompanied by a migratory polyarthralgia at presentation. Fifteen months later, he sought treatment for chondritis of the right auricle and was diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis. A 42-year-old white female with known relapsing polychondritis had bilateral hypopyon uveitis at presentation during a systemic relapse. Both patients had resolution of the hypopyon with topical and systemic steroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Relapsing polychondritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sterile hypopyon uveitis. Steroids and systemic immunosuppression can be used to treat the uveitis.