Retinal vasculitis
Inflammation of retinal blood vessels from diverse causes.
Retinal vasculitis is inflammation of the vascular branches of the retinal artery. It can arise from primary ocular disease or as a manifestation of systemic vasculitic disorders, infections, or drug-induced causes.
- Field
- Ophthalmology / Vasculitis
- Causes
- Primary ocular disease, systemic vasculitis (e.g., Behçet's disease, sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, temporal arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, granulomatosis with polyangiitis), lupus erythematosus,
- Symptoms
- Painless decrease of visual acuity, blurry vision, floaters, scotomas, decreased color discrimination, metamorphopsia
- Diagnosis
- Chest X-ray, blood test, urinary analysis, vascular biopsy, ophthalmology assessment
- Treatment
- Intravitreal corticosteroid and immunosuppressants for non-infectious cases; antimicrobial therapy for infectious cases
Lore & Background
Retinal vasculitis presents as painless visual loss, floaters, scotomas, and distorted images. It is rarely an isolated finding; systemic evidence often guides diagnosis. Ophthalmic examination may reveal neovascularization, vessel narrowing, cuffing, hemorrhage, vitritis, or choroiditis.
Reader's Guide
Retinal vasculitis is significant as a potential indicator of serious systemic disease. Diagnosis requires extensive investigation to rule out hidden systemic vasculitis, infection, or drug toxicity. Treatment depends on etiology: corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for non-infectious cases, antimicrobials for infectious cases. Its recognition is critical for preserving vision and managing underlying conditions.
Did You Know?
- Retinal vasculitis can be caused by methamphetamine use.
- Infectious causes include Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Toxocara species.
- Symptoms include painless blurry vision, floaters, scotomas, and metamorphopsia.
- Non-infectious retinal vasculitis is treated with intravitreal corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
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