Neurite óptica em paciente com artrite idiopática juvenil / Optic neuritis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patient

RESUMO

O bloqueio do TNF tem tido sucesso no tratamento de algumas doenças reumáticas, como a espondiloartrite. Relatam-se muitas complicações infecciosas com a terapia anti-TNF, principalmente infecções bacterianas, micobacterianas, virais e fúngicas. A Entamoeba histolytica é um protozoário extracelular que causa principalmente colite e abscesso hepático, sendo que a perfuração intestinal é uma complicação rara, com alta mortalidade. O TNF é considerado o principal mediador da imunidade celular contra a amebíase. Inicialmente, é quimiotático para a E. histolytica, potencializando sua adesão ao enterócito por meio da lectina galactose-inibível, e depois ativando os macrófagos para matarem a ameba pela liberação de NO; assim, o bloqueio do TNF poderia ser prejudicial, aumentando a virulência amebiana. Descreve-se o caso de uma mulher de 46 anos com espondiloartrite que apresentou uma perfuração do colo por colite amebiana invasiva durante uso de anti-TNF.

ABSTRACT

Optic neuritis (ON) was rarely reported in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients, particularly in those under anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha blockage. However, to our knowledge, the prevalence of ON in JIA population has not been studied. Therefore, 5793 patients were followed up at our University Hospital and 630 (11%) had JIA. One patient (0.15%) had ON and was reported herein. A 6-year-old male was diagnosed with extended oligoarticular JIA, and received naproxen and methotrexate subsequently replaced by leflunomide. At 11 years old, he was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis, followed by a partial motor seizure with secondary generalization. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalogram showed diffuse disorganization of the brain electric activity and leflunomide was suspended. Seven days later, the patient presented acute ocular pain, loss of acuity for color, blurred vision, photophobia, redness and short progressive visual loss in the right eye. A fundoscopic exam detected unilateral papilledema without retinal exudates. Orbital MRI suggested right ON. The anti-aquaporin 4 (anti-AQP4) antibody was negative. Pulse therapy with methylprednisolone was administered for five days, and subsequently with prednisone, he had clinical and laboratory improvement. In conclusion, a low prevalence of ON was observed in our JIA population. The absence of anti-AQP4 antibody and the normal brain MRI do not exclude the possibility of demyelinating disease associated with chronic arthritis. Therefore, rigorous follow up is required.