[First diagnosis of systemic sclerosis based on ocular complications].

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis is a chronic connective tissue disease in which immune system dysfunction alters the structure and function of blood vessels. It is characterized by enhanced tissue fibrosis, which may rapidly affect a large area of the skin as well as internal organs. Dry eye symptoms are the most common ocular findings.

CASE REPORT: This case presents a 51-year-old male patient suffering from blurred vision in the left eye. The ophthalmoscopic examination revealed retinal thrombotic microangiopathy in both eyes. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) showed a macular edema in the left eye. Although these ocular symptoms do not represent the initial manifestation of the primary disease, correct diagnosis was only made in the context of the retinal findings.

CONCLUSION

Retinal microangiopathic lesions can play a seminal role in diagnosing systemic sclerosis.