A Case of Recurrent Uveitis in Autoimmune Liver Disease

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of recurrent uveitis associated with autoimmune liver disease. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old female with severe fatigue and arthritis visited the ophthalmology department due to decreased visual acuity and discomfort in her right eye for ten days. She had intermittent injection and blurred vision in both eyes for 30 years. Slit lamp examination of her right eye showed keratic precipitates, pigment deposits on the anterior capsule of the lens and anterior chamber cells; fundus examination was normal without any sign of chorioretinitis. Inflammatory reaction was improved after steroid and cycloplegic eye drop treatment. Two months later, her left eye developed anterior uveitis. Inflammation was well controlled with steroid and cycloplegic eye drop treatment. To evaluate the cause of uveitis and associated systemic disease, serological testing was performed, and abnormal elevation of liver enzymes was detected. The patient was referred to the Gastroenterology Department and diagnosed with autoimmune liver disease. Oral ursodeoxycholic acid was prescribed. Liver function profile improved to normal range, and the patient is currently under routine follow-up with no sign of recurrent uveitis. CONCLUSIONS: When a patient with recurrent uveitis presents symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice or abnormal liver profile, association with autoimmune liver disease should be considered.