Fecal calprotectin levels in acute anterior uveitis in patients with spondyloarthritis / Níveis de calprotectina fecal na uveite anterior aguda em pacientes com espondiloartrites

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study measured fecal calprotectin levels in a series of patients with anterior uveitis in order to determine whether anterior uveitis patients with associated spondyloarthritis have higher levels of fecal calprotectin than patients with anterior uveitis of other etiologies. A third group of patients with spondyloarthritis without uveitis was also evaluated to understand the role of acute anterior uveitis in increasing fecal calprotectin. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 28 patients were divided into three groups: (a) Group 1, spondyloarthritis and uveitis (n=9); (b) Group 2, spondyloarthritis without uveitis (n=10); and (c) Group 3, uveitis without spondyloarthritis (n=9). The levels of fecal calprotectin were determined. Results: Groups 1 and 2 showed higher median fecal calprotectin levels (101.0 and 93.0 µg/g, respectively) compared with Group 3 (9.0 µg/g) (p=0.02). However, no relationship between fecal calprotectin levels and the presence of uveitis with spondyloarthritis could be demonstrated. Conclusion: Patients with spondyloarthritis with or without acute anterior uveitis have significantly elevated levels of fecal calprotectin. This test may be useful for differentiating spondyloarthrit-associated uveitis from uveitis of other etiologies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou os níveis de calprotectina fecal em uma série de pacientes com uveíte anterior na tentativa de determinar se pacientes com uveíte associada com espondiloartrites apresentam níveis mais elevados desta proteína do que pacientes com uveíte anterior de outras etiologias. Um terceiro grupo com espondiloartrites sem uveíte também foi incluído na avaliação para entendimento do papel da uveíte anterior no aumento da calprotectina fecal. Métodos: Estudo transversal de 28 pacientes divididos em três grupos: (a) com espondiloartrites e uveíte (n=9); (b) com espondiloartrites sem uveíte (n=10) e (c) com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (n=9). A dosagem de calprotectina fecal foi avaliada. Resultados: Pacientes com uveíte anterior associada a espondiloartrites apresentaram valores medianos maiores de calprotectina fecal (101 µg/g) que os valores dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (9 µg/g), pacientes com espondiloartrites sem uveíte que também demonstraram valores maiores (93.0 µg/g) que os dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (p=0,02). Conclusão: Pacientes com espondiloartrites com e sem uveíte anterior aguda demonstraram níveis significativamente elevados de calprotectina fecal. Este teste pode ser útil na diferenciação entre uveítes associadas com espondiloartrites de uveítes de outras etiologias. Entretanto, não foi possível demonstrar associação entre o aumento dos níveis de calprotectina fecal e a presença da uveíte em espondiloartrites.

Unnoticed metallic foreign body in the camerular angle inducing chronic uveitis / Corpo estranho metálico não notado em ângulo camerular induzindo uveíte crônica

ABSTRACT We report the case of an eight-year-old male patient with a four-month history of unilateral anterior chronic uveitis, associated with a pigmented lesion surrounded by fibrinoid material in the inferior camerular angle and with a fibrotic lesion in the extreme periphery of the inferior retina. The patient had no history of trauma or any other clinical symptoms. Although the patient was suspected of having toxocariasis, serological tests were negative. Partial symptomatic improvement was achieved using both orally and topically administered corticosteroids. In addition, a decrease in fibrinoid material around the pigmented camerular lesion revealed it to be regular and cylindric. Computed tomography of the orbits revealed a metallic foreign body in the topography of the inferior camerular angle. The patient underwent removal of the foreign body through a corneal incision and photocoagulation around the inferior retinal traction. Excellent visual and anatomical results were obtained.(AU)

RESUMO Os autores relatam o caso de paciente do sexo masculino, 8 anos de idade, com história de uveíte crônica anterior unilateral há quatro meses, associada a lesão pigmentada envolvida por material fibrinóide em ângulo camerular inferior e a lesão fibrótica em extrema periferia de retina inferior. Não havia histórico de trauma ou outros sintomas clínicos. A hipótese de toxocaríase foi afastada diante de testes sorológicos negativos. Melhoria sintomática parcial foi alcançada com administração de corticosteróide vias oral e tópica. Ademais, redução na quantidade de material fibrinóide ao redor da lesão camerular a revelou regular e cilíndrica. Foi realizada tomografia computadorizada de órbitas, permitindo a detecção de corpo estranho metálico na topografia de ângulo camerular inferior. O paciente foi submetido a remoção do corpo estranho através de incisão corneana e a fotocoagulação ao redor da tração retiniana inferior. Excelentes resultados visual e anatômico foram obtidos.(AU)

Niveles de antitoxina tetánica y diftérica relacionadas con el alelo HLA-B27 en pacientes cubanos con uveítis anterior no infecciosa / Tetanus and diphtheria antitoxin levels related to the HLA-B27 allele in Cuban patients with non-infectious anterior uveitis

La uveítis anterior no infecciosa es una enfermedad inflamatoria del ojo que afecta al tracto uveal y que puede causar ceguera total y otras discapacidades visuales. Esta enfermedad se ubica en el espectro de enfermedades autoinmunes y autoinflamatorias. Se han descrito respuestas no adecuadas a la vacunación en enfermedades mediadas por el sistema inmune, por lo que se evaluaron los niveles de antitoxina tetánica y diftérica en pacientes cubanos con uveítis anterior no infecciosa, relacionada con el alelo HLA-B27. Se determinaron los niveles de antitoxina tetánica y diftérica mediante ELISA en 190 pacientes con uveítis anterior no infecciosa y controles supuestamente sanos. El 97,37 por ciento de los pacientes con uveítis mostraron niveles de protección de antitoxina tetánica mayor o igual a 0,1 UI/mL, similar a lo observado en los controles sanos (98,95 por ciento) (p=0,4385). Las proporciones de pacientes con uveítis anterior no infecciosa y sus controles en los diferentes niveles de protección de antitoxina tetánica fueron similares (p>0,05), al igual que los títulos medios geométricos (p=0,2907). En los pacientes con uveítis, de 65 años o más, se detectó una mayor proporción de individuos con títulos protectores de larga duración (>1,0 UI/mL) de antitoxina diftérica (p=0,0065). En los pacientes con uveítis no se observó asociación entre la presencia del alelo HLA-B27 y la respuesta de anticuerpos frente al toxoide tetánico (p=0,6196) y diftérico (p=0,1917). El 37,9 por ciento de los pacientes con uveítis y el 42 por ciento de los controles, presentaron títulos no protectores (<0,1 UI/mL) de antitoxina diftérica (0,1148). La mayoría de los pacientes con uveítis anterior no infecciosa y los controles supuestamente sanos presentaron protección frente al toxoide tetánico; mientras que, en los pacientes con uveítis, así como en los controles supuestamente sanos, con edad igual o más de 18 años, se debe reevaluar incluir refuerzos con toxoide diftérico para alcanzar mayores niveles de protección frente a la difteria(AU)

Non-infectious anterior uveitis is an inflammatory disease of the eye that affects the uveal tract and can cause total blindness and other visual disabilities. Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are associated with qualitative and quantitative alterations in the immune response; therefore, the levels of tetanus and diphtheria antitoxin related to the HLA-B27 allele were evaluated in Cuban patients with non-infectious anterior uveitis. Tetanus and diphtheria antitoxin levels were determined by ELISA in 190 patients with non-infectious anterior uveitis and healthy control individuals. 97.37 percent of patients with uveitis showed protective tetanus antitoxin levels greater than and equal to 0.1 IU/mL as well as healthy controls (98.95 percent) (p=0.4385). The proportions of patients with non-infectious anterior uveitis and presumably healthy controls in the different levels of protective tetanus antitoxin were similar (p>0.05) at all levels of protection, as were the geometric mean titers for this antitoxin (p=0.2907). Patients with uveitis aged 65 years or older had a higher proportion of individuals with long-term reliable protective titers (>1.0 IU/mL) of diphtheria antitoxin (p=0.0065). In uveitis patients, no association was observed between the presence of the HLA-B27 allele and the antibody response against tetanus toxoid (p=0.6196) and diphtheria (p=0.1917). Similarly, 37.9 percent of patients with uveitis and 42 percent of their controls had non-protective titers (<0.1 IU/mL) of diphtheria antitoxin (0.1148). Most patients with anterior uveitis and control subjects were protected against tetanus (p>0.05), while in patients with uveitis and supposedly healthy controls, aged 18 years or older, the administration of booster doses with diphtheria toxoid should be reevaluated to achieve higher levels of protection against diphtheria(AU)

Anterior uveitis as a manifestation of ocular tuberculosis / Uveíte anterior como manifestação de tuberculose ocular

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of great magnitude in the world. Of patients with extrapulmonary disease, ocular manifestations are rare but among reported cases the most common ocular manifestation is uveitis. The diagnosis of ocular TB should be made as early as possible so that treatment is initiated and the risks of ocular complications are minimized. The objective of this study is to report an ocular TB case that presented as anterior uveitis. A 52-year-old female patient, a nursing technician at a large hospital, presented a history of low visual acuity associated with myiodesopsia for 4 days. Her ophthalmologic history included an iridotomy due to narrow angle in both eyes. On examination, the best corrected visual acuity was 20/100, right eye, and 20/80, left eye. Among the most significant ocular alterations were granulomatous keratic precipitates, anterior chamber reaction, flare and light vitreitis, corresponding to anterior uveitis. Based on clinical history and ophthalmologic examination, tests were ordered that corroborated the diagnosis of ocular TB. Thereafter, antituberculous therapy was instituted with a good response in 15 days, including improvement in visual acuity. The patient was followed-up by ophthalmology and infectology. Intraocular TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any type of intraocular inflammation. The diagnosis of presumed ocular TB is a clinical challenge with the diagnosis modalities currently available. The faster the onset of treatment, the better the visual prognosis of the affected patient.

RESUMO A tuberculose (TB) é uma doença infecciosa de grande magnitude no mundo. Dos pacientes com doença extrapulmonar, as manifestações oculares são raras, mas entre os casos relatados, a manifestação ocular mais comum é a uveíte. O diagnóstico de TB ocular deve ser feito o mais precoce possível para que o tratamento seja iniciado e os riscos de complicações oculares sejam minimizados. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso de TB ocular que se apresentou como uveíte anterior. Uma paciente do sexo feminino, 52 anos, técnica de enfermagem de um hospital de grande porte, apresentou história de baixa acuidade visual associada à miodesopsia por 4 dias. Sua história oftalmológica incluía uma iridotomia devido ao ângulo estreito em ambos os olhos. No exame, a melhor acuidade visual corrigida foi 20/100, olho direito, e 20/80, olho esquerdo. Dentre as alterações oculares mais significativas, destacam-se precipitados ceráticos granulomatosos, reação de câmara anterior, flare e vitreíte leve, correspondendo à uveíte anterior. Com base na história clínica e no exame oftalmológico, foram solicitados exames que corroboram o diagnóstico de TB ocular. Posteriormente, a terapia antituberculosa foi instituída com uma boa resposta em 15 dias, incluindo melhora na acuidade visual. A paciente foi acompanhada pelas especialidades: oftalmologia e infectologia. A TB intraocular deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de qualquer tipo de inflamação intraocular. O diagnóstico presumível de tuberculose ocular é um desafio clínico com as modalidades de diagnóstico atualmente disponíveis. Quanto mais rápido o início do tratamento, melhor o prognóstico visual do paciente afetado.

Ocular Manifestations of Venomous Snake Bite over a One-year Period in a Tertiary Care Hospital

PURPOSE: Ocular manifestations in snake-bite injuries are quite rare. However, the unusual presentations, diagnosis and their management can pose challenges when they present to the ophthalmologist. Early detection of these treatable conditions can prevent visual loss in these patients who are systemically unstable and are unaware of their ocular condition. To address this, a study was conducted with the aim of identifying the various ocular manifestations of snake bite in a tertiary care center. METHODS: This is a one-year institute-based prospective study report of 12 snake bite victims admitted to a tertiary hospital with ocular manifestations between June 2013 to June 2014, which provides data about the demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, ocular manifestations, and their outcomes. RESULTS: Twelve cases of snake bite with ocular manifestations were included of which six were viper bites, three were cobra bites and three were unknown bites. Six patients presented with bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma (50%), two patients had anterior uveitis (16.6%) of which one patient had concomitant optic neuritis. One patient had exudative retinal detachment (8.3%), one patient had thrombocytopenia with subconjunctival hemorrhage (8.3%) and two patients had external ophthalmoplegia (16.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral angle closure glaucoma was the most common ocular manifestation followed by anterior uveitis and external ophthalmoplegia. Snake bite can result in significant ocular morbidity in a majority of patients but spontaneous recovery with anti-snake venom, steroids and conservative management results in good visual prognosis.

Optic neuritis complicating herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an immunocompetent patient / Zoster optic neuritis in immunocompentent

A 58-year-old woman presented with rash over the left side of the face and intense acute uveitis. Following careful review of the symptoms and dilated fundus examination unilateral optic neuritis was discovered. The rash was typical of varicella zoster dermatitis. Patients presenting with herpes zoster ophthalmicus should always undergo dilated fundus examination, as there is a potential risk of unexpected posterior segment inflammation. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can avoid visual sequelae.

Paciente de 58 anos de idade apresentando erupção cutânea no lado esquerdo da face e intensa uveíte unilateral. Após cuidadosa revisão dos sintomas e exame de fundo do olho foi detectada neurite óptica. O rash era típico de dermatite por varicella zoster. Pacientes apresentando quadro de herpes zoster oftálmico devem ser submetidos ao exame de fundo do olho devido ao risco de inesperada inflamação do segmento posterior. Diagnóstico precoce e tratamento imediato podem evitar danos visuais.

Citomegalovirus: de la primoinfección a la retinitis / Cytomegalovirus: from primoinfection to retinitis

Una vez sucedida la primoinfección, el citomegalovirus se establece latente en las células mieloides progenitoras, y la reactivación viral intermitente procedente de macrófagos activados o células dendríticas es controlada por una fuerte respuesta viral específica de células CD4 y CD8. La retinitis por citomegalovirus está caracterizada por una necrosis retinal como consecuencia de efectos citopáticos virales que ocurre en pacientes en quienes la función de células T está comprometida, como resultado de trasplantes de órganos, SIDA o tratamiento inmunosupresor. El diagnóstico de retinitis por citomegalovirus puede ser confirmado por amplificación del ADN viral en muestras de humor acuoso. El tratamiento de la retinitis por citomegalovirus se basa en la actualidad en la reconstitución del sistema inmune con la terapia TARGA y combinado a una terapia anticitomegalovirus (ganciclovir, foscarnet, cidofovir y valganciclovir). El citomegalovirus está también implicado en dos formas de enfermedad del segmento anterior en adultos inmunocompetentes llamado uveítis anterior por citomegalovirus y queratitis endotelial por citomegalovirus.

Once first infection occurs, cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains latent in myeloid progenitor cells and the intermittent viral relapsing proceeding from activated macrophages and dendritic cells, is controlled by strong specific viral response CD4cell y CD8-cell. CMV retinitis is characterized by spreading retinal necrosis due to viral cytopathic effect occurs in patients who have impaired T-cell function as a result of transplantation, AIDS, or immuno-suppressive treatment. The diagnosis of CMV retinitis can be confirmed by PCR amplification of viral DNA in aqueous. Updated treatment for CMV retinitis is based on the immune system recovery with highly activity anti-retroviral therapy combined with anti CMV therapy (ganciclovir, foscarnet, cidofovir and valganciclovir). CMV is also implicated in two forms of anterior segment disease in immuno-competent adults, namely CMV anterior uveitis and CMV corneal endotheliitis.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography in acute anterior uveitis / Tomografia de coerência óptica do segmento anterior em uveíte anterior aguda

Purpose: To analyze the corneal thickness and anterior chamber (AC) angle using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in patients with acute anterior uveitis (AAU). Methods: Twenty two patients (24 eyes) were included. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological examination, applanation tonometry and AS-OCT at diagnosis and fifteen days after treatment. Results: Average corneal thickness before treatment was 564.2 ± 44.2 µm, 580.0 ± 44.3 µm and 580.1 ± 2.9 µm, respectively in central, pericentral and paracentral cornea. Fifteen days after treatment a significant decrease of corneal thickness was observed, with 529.5 ± 33.1 µm (p=0.0091) and 542.6 ± 33.6 µm (p=0.0068), respectively in central and pericentral cornea; paracentral corneal thickness (557.8 ± 35.3 µm) thinning did not reach statistical significance (p=0.1253). There was no significant change in temporal AC angle between visits, 44.3 ± 14.4 degrees before treatment and 44.7 ± 14.7 degrees fifteen days after (p=0.9343), and mean intraocular pressure, 10.8 ± 4.5 mmHg before treatment and 12.3 ± 3.0 mmHg fifteen days after (p=0.1874). Conclusion: In the studied group, AS-OCT detected a decrease of corneal thickness after AAU treatment. Temporal AC angle and intraocular pressure did not change during the studied period. .

Objetivo: Analisar a espessura corneal e ângulo da câmara anterior (CA) utilizando a tomografia de coerência óptica de segmento anterior (OCT-SA) em pacientes com uveíte anterior aguda (UAA). Métodos: Foram selecionados 24 olhos de 22 pacientes com UAA. Todos foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo, tonometria de aplanação e OCT-SA na consulta inicial e após 15 dias de início do tratamento. Resultados: Na visita inicial, as médias da espessura corneal foram de 564,2 ± 44,2 µm e 580,0 ± 44,3 µm e 580,1 ± 2,9 µm, respectivamente para as regiões central, pericentral e paracentral. Após 15 dias de tratamento, observou-se redução da espessura para 529,5 ± 33,1 µm (p=0,0091) e 542,6 ± 33,6 µm (p=0,0068), respectivamente para a córnea central e pericentral; e um valor de 557,8 ± 35,3 µm para a região paracentral, porém para um p não significante (p=0,1253). Não foi observada mudança estatisticamente significante nos valores da porção temporal do ângulo da CA; 44,3 ± 14,4 graus na visita inicial e de 44,7 ± 14,7 graus após 15 dias de tratamento (p=0,9343) e na média das pressões intraoculares (PIO), 10,8 ± 4,5 mmHg na visita inicial e 12,3 ± 3,0 mmHg após tratamento (p=0,1874). Conclusão: No grupo estudado, obteve-se uma redução dos valores da espessura corneal após início do tratamento da UAA. Os valores da porção temporal do ângulo da CA e PIO não sofreram mudanças significantes. .

Delayed inflammation associated with retained perfluorocarbon liquid.

A 55-year-old woman, with history of cataract surgery 1 year back, presented with features of ocular inflammation for last 3 months. She had no history of any other intraocular surgery. On examination, anterior segment showed frothy material in the inferior angle with moderate anterior chamber reaction (cells+/flare+) and sulcus intraocular lens with large posterior capsule rent. Fundoscopy showed multiple, small to medium-sized transparent bubbles of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) with membranes in the vitreous cavity. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of PFCL in the vitreous cavity. Pars plana vitrectomy with anterior chamber wash was done which led to good visual recovery. To conclude, retained PFCL can cause late onset fibrinous inflammation after a quiescent period but surgical intervention may lead to good visual outcome.

Current approach in diagnosis and management of anterior uveitis.

Uveitis is composed of a diverse group of disease entities, which in total has been estimated to cause approximately 10% of blindness. Uveitis is broadly classified into anterior, intermediate, posterior and panuveitis based on the anatomical involvement of the eye. Anterior uveitis is, however, the commonest form of uveitis with varying incidences reported in worldwide literature. Anterior uveitis can be very benign to present with but often can lead to severe morbidity if not treated appropriately. The present article will assist ophthalmologists in accurately diagnosing anterior uveitis, improving the quality of care rendered to patients with anterior uveitis, minimizing the adverse effects of anterior uveitis, developing a decision-making strategy for management of patients at risk of permanent visual loss from anterior uveitis, informing and educating patients and other healthcare practitioners about the visual complications, risk factors, and treatment options associated with anterior uveitis.

Clinical Features and Prognosis of HLA-B27 Positive and Negative Anterior Uveitis in a Korean Population

Clinical features and prognosis of HLA-B27 positive anterior uveitis (AU) were assessed compared with HLA-B27 negative AU in a Korean population, based on the medical records of AU patients seen at a university hospital. Twenty-seven HLA-B27 negative, idiopathic AU patients (group I) and 55 HLA-B27 positive AU patients (group II) were studied. HLA-B27 positive group was further divided into 29 with associated systemic disease (seronegative spondyloarthropathy) (group IIA) and 26 without associated systemic disease (group IIB). Significantly more severe anterior chamber inflammation in terms of anterior chamber cells (P=0.006) and hypopyon formation (P=0.034) was observed with higher frequency of AU attacks (P=0.007) in the HLA-B27 positive group than in the HLA-B27 negative group. Systemic/periocular steroids were required in significantly more patients in the HLA-B27 positive group than in the HLA-B27 negative group (P=0.015). However, no significant differences were observed for final ocular and visual outcomes between these two groups. Associated systemic disease made no significant difference in the clinical features and prognosis in the HLA-B27 positive AU patients. In conclusion, despite more severe inflammation and a higher recurrence rate, HLA-B27 positive AU shows similar good final ocular and visual outcomes compared to HLA-B27 negative, idiopathic AU in a Korean population.

Ocular Sarcoidosis in a Korean Population

The aim of current study was to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of ocular sarcoidosis in a Korean population. We conducted a retrospective study of 104 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis seen at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, from 1993 to 2007. Medical records, photographs, and fluorescein angiograms were reviewed. Of 104 patients, 22 (21%) had intraocular involvement with female predominance (86%, M:F=3:19). Of the 39 eyes with ocular involvement, 16 (41%) eyes had isolated anterior uveitis, 12 (31%) eyes had intermediate uveitis, 6 eyes (15%) had panuveitis with retinal vasculitis, and 5 (13%) eyes had panuveitis with punched multifocal choroiditis. Mean duration of ophthalmologic follow-up was 62 months. All ocular inflammation was well managed with topical steroid and/or systemic steroid with relatively good final visual outcomes. Ocular complications such as cataract (12 eyes, 30%), glaucoma (6 eyes, 15%), vitreous opacity (1 eye, 3%), cystoid macular edema (3 eyes, 7%), neovascularization (2 eye, 5%), and epiretinal membrane (4 eye, 10%) were related to ocular sarcoidosis. In Korea, where sarcoidosis is very rare, our study indicates relatively low ocular and predominantly non posterior segment involvement with relatively good visual prognosis.

Ocular Sarcoidosis in a Korean Population

The aim of current study was to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of ocular sarcoidosis in a Korean population. We conducted a retrospective study of 104 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis seen at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, from 1993 to 2007. Medical records, photographs, and fluorescein angiograms were reviewed. Of 104 patients, 22 (21%) had intraocular involvement with female predominance (86%, M:F=3:19). Of the 39 eyes with ocular involvement, 16 (41%) eyes had isolated anterior uveitis, 12 (31%) eyes had intermediate uveitis, 6 eyes (15%) had panuveitis with retinal vasculitis, and 5 (13%) eyes had panuveitis with punched multifocal choroiditis. Mean duration of ophthalmologic follow-up was 62 months. All ocular inflammation was well managed with topical steroid and/or systemic steroid with relatively good final visual outcomes. Ocular complications such as cataract (12 eyes, 30%), glaucoma (6 eyes, 15%), vitreous opacity (1 eye, 3%), cystoid macular edema (3 eyes, 7%), neovascularization (2 eye, 5%), and epiretinal membrane (4 eye, 10%) were related to ocular sarcoidosis. In Korea, where sarcoidosis is very rare, our study indicates relatively low ocular and predominantly non posterior segment involvement with relatively good visual prognosis.

Herpes simplex uveitis

BACKGROUND: Uveitis in herpes simplex virus (HSV) ocular disease is usually associated with corneal stromal disease. It has generally been believed that herpetic uveitis in the absence of corneal disease is very rare. When seen it is usually attributed to varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections. The diagnosis of uveitis caused by herpes simplex is often not diagnosed resulting in inadequate treatment and a poor visual result. METHODS: Seven patients from a large uveitis practice who presented with a clinical picture of: anterior uveitis and sectoral iris atrophy without keratitis, a syndrome highly suggestive of herpetic infection, are reported. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done in the aqueous of four of them and was positive for HSV. One patient had bilateral disease. Most of the patients also had severe secondary glaucoma. RESULTS: Of the seven patients presented five had no history of any previous corneal disease. Two had a history of previous dendritic keratitis which was not active at the time of uveitis development. One patient with bilateral disease was immunosuppressed at the time when the uveitis developed. Six of the seven patients had elevated intraocular pressures at the time of uveitis and five required glaucoma surgery. Intractable glaucoma developed in two patients leading to rapid and severe visual loss despite aggressive management. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that uveitis without corneal involvement may be a more frequent manifestation of ocular herpes simplex disease than previously thought. Absence of corneal involvement delays a correct diagnosis and may worsen visual outcome. Primary herpetic uveitis (when there is no history of previous corneal disease) seems to be more severe than the uveitis in patients with previous corneal recurrences. The associated glaucoma may be a devastating complication

Uveítes anteriores associadas a doenças sistêmicas / Anterior uveitis associated to systemic diseases

As uveítes anteriores são caracterizadas pela inflamação preponderante do segmento anterior do olho. Hiperemia conjuntival, reação de câmara anterior com células e "flare", precipitados ceráticos e sinéquias posteriores são sinais que compõem o quadro inflamatório. Aspectos clínicos de algumas doenças sistêmicas envolvidas na etiologia das uveítes anteriores serão abordados neste artigo.

Recurrent anterior uveitis and healed retinal vasculitis associated with multiple sclerosis.

We describe the occurrence of anterior uveitis with healed retinal vasculitis in an Asian-Indian woman. She had features of anterior uveitis and healed retinal vasculitis. This rare disease in India may be associated with intraocular inflammation.