Observation of the ocular fundus manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Objective To describe the manifestations of ocular fundus secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) . Methods This was a retrospective study. Thirty-six patients (57 eyes) who were diagnosed with SLE by the Department of Rheumatology in Peking Union Medical College Hospital during the years of 2002-2013 were enrolled in the study. These case studies from the Department of Ophthalmology were summarized. The patients included 4 males and 32 females from 14 to 71 years of age with a mean age of 32.6±11.5 years. Ocular anterior segments were examined with a slit lamp microscope. Fundus examinations were performed with papillary dilation, fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography. Results Twenty-four eyes showed retinal vasculitis. Eighteen eyes showed precapillary arteriole occlusion. Seventeen eyes presented with retinal vascular occlusion, 10 of presented with retinal artery occlusion, 5 presented with retinal vein occlusion, and 2 presented with retinal artery occlusion and vein occlusion. Six eyes presented with optic neuropathy, including 1 eye with neuropapillitis, 4 eyes with retrobulbar neuritis, and 1 eye with ischemic optic neuropathy. Three eyes presented with cytomegalovirus retinitis. Conclusion Retinal vasculitis, precapillary arteriole occlusion and retinal vascular occlusion are the most common manifestations of SLE as part of ocular fundus changes. Key words: Lupus erythematosus, systemic; Retinal vasculitis; Precapillary arteriole occlusion; Retinal artery occlusion; Retinal vein occlusion; Optic nerve diseases; Cytomegalovirus retinitis