Insight Into Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Unveiling Central Retinal Artery Occlusion as an Initial Indicator

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with diverse clinical manifestations. Among these, ocular complications are notably prevalent, affecting up to one-third of patients. One rare but serious ocular complication of SLE is central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), which...

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Published inCurēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 8; p. e67276
Main Authors Khan, Malik Hasnat Ul Hassan, Sarfaraz, Haider, Khan, Nida, Mushtaq, Muhammad Hamza, Aftab Ahmad, Syed, Abbas, Muhammad, Habib, Ihtisham, Amin Noor, Muhammad
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Cureus Inc 20.08.2024
Cureus
Subjects
Alopecia
Autoimmune diseases
Baldness
Case reports
Connective tissue
Creatinine
Females
Hemoglobin
Hepatitis C
Hospitals
Immunosuppressive agents
Internal Medicine
Lupus
Ophthalmology
Patients
Proteins
Rheumatology
Steroids
Urine
Veins & arteries
Visual acuity
Peshawar Pakistan
Pakistan
central retinal artery occlusion (crao)
sudden vision loss
micro-vasculopathy
connective tissue disorder
systemic lupus erythematosis
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Summary:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with diverse clinical manifestations. Among these, ocular complications are notably prevalent, affecting up to one-third of patients. One rare but serious ocular complication of SLE is central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), which can result in significant vision loss. We report a case of a young woman with sudden, painless vision loss in her right eye over two days. Fundoscopy confirmed CRAO, with no light perception in the affected eye and normal vision in the left eye. Physical examination revealed symptoms suggestive of a connective tissue disorder, including malar rash and Raynaud's phenomenon. Laboratory tests confirmed SLE. Despite treatment with methylprednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, aspirin, and nifedipine, the patient's vision did not improve. CRAO in SLE indicates severe retinal vasculopathy and has a poor prognosis. This case highlights the importance of considering SLE in patients with sudden vision loss and systemic symptoms, emphasizing early diagnosis and comprehensive management to prevent severe complications.
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ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.67276