Isolated ophthalmologic relapse in a case of suspected microscopic polyangiitis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of suspected microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) with isolated retinal vasculitis not described previously.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 50-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of retinal vasculitis. The patient had been diagnosed with systemic vasculitis type MPA 8 years earlier. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography did not reveal other vascular lesions. ANCA and MPO were detected, but results of systemic evaluation were normal. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide followed by oral prednisone. Visual acuity improved rapidly, leading to discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy after 2 months.

CONCLUSION

Retinal vasculitis can be a sign of systemic disease and, in this case, was the single manifestation of a relapse. In some cases of recurrent isolated retinal vasculitis, a short treatment course of immunosuppressive and systemic steroids can be enough for resolution.