Isolated Uveitis: A Rare Complication of Electrical Injury

Abstract

Electrical burns have obscure destructive results, as they are characterized by progressive necrosis.1,2 Ocular complications, such as, cataract,3 macular edema,4 eye-lid abrasion, superficial punctual keratopathy, chemosis, and pupil abnormalities, on the other hand, are among the rare complications of electrical injuries.5,6 There are few reports5,6 presenting co-occurrence of cataract and uveitis after electrical injury; however isolated uveitis, to the best of our knowledge, is an unusual complication that is not reported before. Here, we present a patient who developed isolated uveitis after electrical injury. A 23-year-old man, who was injured because of high-voltage of electricity, was referred to our department. Third degree burned areas on his right hand and forearm were apparent at the initial examination. Earlier escharotomy was performed on his forearm. Granulated escharotomy wound had been reconstructed with split thickness skin graft 2 weeks later. He presented with complaints of severe pain, redness, and excess lacrimation in his right eye after a week of his admission. The ophthalmic examination demonstrated a visual acuity of 10/10 in both eyes. Biomicroscopy revealed a ciliary injection with +3 cells in the anterior chamber, and mydriasis of the right pupil. No pathology was found in the lens. The intraocular pressure was measured 10 mm Hg by applanation tonometry. Ophthalmoscopical appearance of the fundus oculi did not show any pathology. Topical steroids and cycloplegic agents were used for treatment of uveitis. His ocular complaints responded well to the prescribed therapy regimen in 10 days. During 2-year follow-up period, no ocular complications, such as cataract occurred.