Central retinal artery occlusion in an ANCA negative Churg-Strauss syndrome patient

Subclinical microvascular changes in ANCA-vasculitides: the role of optical coherence tomography angiography and nailfold capillaroscopy in the detection of disease-related damage

BACKGROUND

Both cardiovascular and complement-mediated disorders might lead to microvascular damages in anti-neutrophil cytoplasm autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV). We aimed at investigating, for the first time, subclinical microvascular abnormalities with non-invasive techniques in AAV patients by analyzing both retinal and nailfold capillary changes. Retinal plexi were investigated using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), while nailfold capillary changes by video-capillaroscopy (NVC). Potential correlations between microvessels' abnormalities and disease damage were also explored.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted on consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria of defined diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), age ≥ 18 ≤ 75 yrs, and no ophthalmological disorders. Disease activity was assessed by Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), damage by Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI), and poorer prognosis by the Five Factor Score (FFS). Quantitative analysis of vessel density (VD) was performed by OCT-A in both superficial and deep capillary plexi. Figures and detailed analysis from NVC were performed for all subjects in the study.

RESULTS

Included AAV patients (n = 23) were compared with 20 age/sex-matched healthy controls (HC). Retinal VD in superficial whole and parafoveal plexi resulted significantly decreased in AAV compared to HC (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, deep whole and parafoveal vessel density was strongly reduced in AAV than HC (P ≤ 0.0001 for both). In AAV patients, significant inverse correlations occurred between VDI and OCTA-VD in both superficial (parafoveal, P = 0.03) and deep plexi (whole, P = 0.003, and parafoveal P = 0.02). Non-specific NVC pattern abnormalities occurred in 82% of AAV patients with a similar prevalence (75%) in HC. In AAV, common abnormalities were edema and tortuosity in a comparable distribution with HC. Correlations between NVC changes and OCT-A abnormalities have not been described.

CONCLUSION

Subclinical microvascular retinal changes occur in patients with AAV and correlate with the disease-related damage. In this context, the OCT-A can represent a useful tool in the early detection of vascular damage. AAV patients present microvascular abnormalities at NVC, whose clinical relevance requires further studies.

Development of central retinal artery occlusion accompanied by choroidal folds in a patient with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: A case report

RATIONALE

We report a case of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) accompanied by choroidal folds in a patient positive for myeloperoxidase (MPO)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA).

PATIENT CONCERNS

The study involved a 67-year-old female patient who presented at the Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-City, Osaka, Japan on October 24, 2016 after becoming aware of a sudden decrease of visual acuity (VA) in her right eye. Other than suffering with scleritis 6-months previous, there was no obvious past history.

DIAGNOSIS

Upon examination, the VA in her right eye was hand motion, and the anterior segment of that eye showed thinning of the superior sclera. Macular edema in the inner retina and cherry red spots were observed in the ocular fundus, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings showed hyperreflectivity of the inner retina and choroidal folds. Fluorescein angiography (FA) examination of the fundus showed scattered areas of no retinal perfusion, and indocyanine green angiography (IA) findings of the fundus indicated a possible choroidal circulatory disturbance in her right eye. Blood test findings revealed the patient to be positive for MPO-ANCA. Based on the above findings, the patient was diagnosed with CRAO and choroidal circulatory disturbance due to ANCA-associated vasculitis.

INTERVENTIONS

For treatment, steroid semi-pulse therapy was initiated.

OUTCOMES

Post treatment initiation, the fundus features and choroidal folds gradually improved, and her VA slightly improved to 0.08.

LESSONS

Based on the FA, IA, and OCT findings, the present case was considered to have CRAO accompanied by choroidal circulatory disturbance due to ANCA-associated vasculitis, a rare disease that may be complicated by choroidal circulatory disturbances.

Ophthalmic Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome): A Systematic Review of the Literature

PURPOSE

To review and summarize the clinical features, presentations, diagnostic modalities, and management of ophthalmic manifestations of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg-Strauss Syndrome).

METHODS

A systematic PubMed search of all English articles on EGPA with ophthalmic involvement was performed. Emphasis was placed on English-language articles, but any article with an abstract translated into English was also included. Only those cases that satisfied the American Rheumatology criteria (1990) for diagnosis were included. Data examined included epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentations, diagnostic modalities, and management.

RESULTS

There was a wide range in ophthalmic manifestations of EGPA. In order of most frequent presentation to least frequent, these include central retinal artery or vein occlusion, ischemic optic neuropathy, conjunctival nodules, orbital myositis, proptosis, dacryoadenitis, retinal vasculitis/infarcts/edema, cranial nerve palsy, and amaurosis. The 46 qualifying cases were divided into the categories of ischemic vasculitis versus idiopathic orbital inflammation due to prognostic significance. Ischemic vasculitis cases tended to be older patients (p = 0.03), unilateral (p = 0.006), require immunosuppressive therapy beyond steroids (p = 0.015), and were less likely to show improvement on therapy (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Prompt diagnosis of EGPA by the ophthalmologist can decrease patient morbidity and mortality. This requires knowledge of likely ophthalmic EGPA presentations, as well as recommended workups and treatment.

A delayed diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis complicated with extensive artery occlusion of lower extremities in children: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare systemic vasculitis in children. A delayed or missed diagnosis of pediatric EGPA is common, owing to the atypical clinical manifestation and limited recognition of this disorder. The vasculitis in EGPA typically involves small to medium size vessels. Extensive occlusion of arteries in the extremities was being extremely rare and has never been reported in children.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 10-year and 10-month-old girl with recurrent wheezing and breathlessness during exercise, was initially diagnosed with asthma at the age of five years. Despite unexplained manifestations, including intermittent remarkably increased eosinophilia, uncontrolled allergic rhinitis, and recurrent petechia, from the onset of asthma through to its remission, the consideration of EGPA was completely ignored until the patient presented with aggravated petechia and severe ulceration of the lower extremities, associated with extensive stenosis and/or occlusion of the arteries of the shank and foot. Given her history of asthma, eosinophilia, allergic rhinitis, mononeuropathy, pulmonary infiltrates, and vasculitis confirmed by the skin biopsy, the diagnosis of EGPA was ultimately confirmed. Regrettably, the initial inappropriate and irrational use of corticosteroid failed to relieve the symptoms until more aggressive treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone was started. This was followed by methotrexate treatment, with tapering of prednisone, without relapse over a six-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric rheumatologists should be alert to the possibility of EGPA in children with refractory asthma associated with unexplained manifestations, and should be aware of the thromboembolic complications as vascular sequelae of EGPA.

Central nervous system involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss): Report of 26 patients and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Although peripheral nervous system involvement is common in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), central nervous system (CNS) manifestations are poorly described. This study aimed to describe CNS involvement in EGPA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective, observational, multicenter study included patients with EGPA and CNS involvement affecting cranial nerves, brain and/or spinal cord. We also undertook a systematic literature review.

RESULTS

We analyzed 26 personal cases and 62 previously reported cases. At EGPA diagnosis, asthma was noted in 97%, eosinophilia in 98%, peripheral neuropathy in 55% and cardiac involvement in 41%. 38/71 (54%) were ANCA-positive, with a perinuclear-labeling pattern and/or anti-MPO specificity. CNS was involved in 86% at EGPA diagnosis, preceded EGPA in 2%, and occurred during follow-up in 12% after a median of 24months. Main neurological manifestations were ischemic cerebrovascular lesions in 46 (52%), intracerebral hemorrhage and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage in 21 (24%), loss of visual acuity in 28 (33%) (15 with optic neuritis, 9 with central retinal artery occlusion, 4 with cortical blindness), and cranial nerves palsies in 18 (21%), with 25 patients having ≥1 of these clinical CNS manifestations. Among the 81 patients with assessable neurological responses, 43% had complete responses without sequelae, 43% had partial responses with long-term sequelae and 14% refractory disease. After a mean follow-up of 36months, 11 patients died including 5 from intracerebral hemorrhages.

CONCLUSION

EGPA-related CNS manifestations form 4 distinct neurological pictures: ischemic lesions, intracerebral hemorrhages, cranial nerve palsies and loss of visual acuity. Such manifestation should prompt practitioners to consider EGPA in such conditions. Long-term neurological sequelae were common, and intracerebral hemorrhages had the worst prognostic impact.

Simultaneous bilateral central retinal artery occlusion in churg-strauss syndrome

PURPOSE

Retinal vascular abnormalities are rare in patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome. We present the findings in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome who developed bilateral central retinal artery occlusion simultaneously.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 68-year-old Japanese man developed acute bilateral vision decrease to counting finger in the right eye and hand movements in the left eye. Ophthalmoscopic and angiographic examinations revealed a central retinal artery occlusion with choroidal circulatory disturbances in both the eyes. The patient had bronchial asthma, hypereosinophilia, radiographically determined migratory pulmonary opacities, and paranasal sinus abnormalities, thus fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria for Churg-Strauss syndrome. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody was absent. High-dose steroid therapy was used, but after 6 weeks, his visual acuity in the right eye did not improve, and the vision in the left eye was no light perception. Later, vitreous hemorrhage was developed in the left eye followed by retinal detachment associated with proliferative retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral central retinal artery occlusion can occur in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative Churg-Strauss syndrome. The cause of the central retinal artery occlusion is not known, but consideration for prophylactic steroid therapy may be recommended in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative cases to prevent potential visual loss.

A case of Churg-Strauss syndrome and central retinal artery occlusion with good visual recovery

Here we report a case of Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), with good visual recovery. A 58-year-old Japanese man with CSS experienced acute painless loss of vision in his right eye. CRAO was diagnosed by fundoscopic findings (retinal whitening with a cherry-red spot). Steroid pulse therapy (methylprednisolone at 1 g daily for 3 days) followed by combined treatment with prednisolone (30 mg/day) and cyclophosphamide (150 mg/day) was administered; his visual acuity recovered to 20/30 in 1 month, and no recurrence has occurred for 1 year. Steroid pulse therapy may be effective for CRAO in CSS patients.

[Ocular manifestations of Churg-Strauss syndrome: review article and case report]

This paper summarizes the possible ocular manifestations of Churg-Straus syndrome (CCS) from the literature and presents an unusual case report from routine clinical practice with conjunctival granuloma, orbital pseudotumor and choroidal folds. The CSS is an ANCA-associated granulomatous vasculitis which can be manifested in various organs and represents a life-threatening situation for the patient. Ocular manifestations are rare and can spread to all segments of the eye and orbit. The most frequent forms of ocular involvement described in the literature are retinal occlusion and orbital pseudotumor with various degrees of expression.

Central retinal artery occlusion in a patient with ANCA-negative Churg-Strauss syndrome

Ocular involvement in Churg-Strauss syndrome is infrequent. We describe the case of a 54-year-old woman with eosinophilia and involvement of the respiratory tract, skin, and peripheral nervous system, fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria for Churg-Strauss syndrome. The patient presented with acute, painless vision loss in her right eye. Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) without accompanying retinal vasculitis was diagnosed by angiographic findings and funduscopic findings of retinal whitening with a cherry-red spot. Although her antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) status was negative, CRAO was thought to be an ocular manifestation of Churg-Strauss syndrome, and appropriate treatment was planned. She was treated with high-dose corticosteroids and anticoagulant therapy. Her macular edema improved, but visual recovery was poor. Specific therapy to alter inflammation, blood coagulation, and rheology reportedly plays an important role in ANCA-positive patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome who develop CRAO. Regardless of ANCA status, high-dose corticosteroids should be considered for CRAO in patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome, as discussed in this case.

Churg-Strauss syndrome complicated by central retinal artery occlusion: case report and a review of the literature

A 68-year-old man was admitted with rapid visual loss. Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) was diagnosed, based upon the symptoms of asthma, eosinophilia, interstitial pneumonitis, and positive myeloperoxidase-anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA). Light reflexes were absent and vision was completely lost in both eyes. Bilateral central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) was observed by fluorescence angiography. Steroid pulse along with an anticoagulant improved the visual acuity to light perception and hand motion. CSS-associated CRAO should be considered when acute visual loss occurs.

Eosinophilia and thrombophilia in churg strauss syndrome: a clinical and pathogenetic overview

During the past decade, there has been an increased description of Churg Strauss syndrome (CSS) characterized by vascular occlusions possibly linked to the thrombogenic potential of the eosinophil that is poorly appreciated. The purpose of this overview is 3-fold: the first to evaluate the available prevalence of thrombosis in Churg Strauss series, the second to demonstrate that any vascular district may be affected, and the third to describe the pathogenesis of thrombosis in CSS. A Pubmed, EMBASE, and Google search of CSS series from 1951 to date revealed a prevalence of arterial occlusion ranging between 3.1% and 18.7% and a prevalence of venous occlusion between 5.8% and 30%, whereas a specific survey for venous thromboembolism in CSS yielded a prevalence of 8.1%. Eosinophils store and release tissue factor as well as other cationic proteins: the former initiates coagulation while the latter inhibits natural anticoagulant activity and activate platelets eventually culminating in excessive thrombin generation and clot formation. In addition, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies may shift the endothelial lining to proadhesive and prothrombotic surface. It is hoped that the review will represent a basis to foster novel research on this topic.

Churg-Strauss syndrome: 2005-2008 update

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare necrotizing small-vessel vasculitis associated with eosinophil-rich granulomatous inflammation of tissues and vessels and is also associated with asthma and eosinophilia. Epidemiologic studies continue to show that CSS is the rarest of the necrotizing small-vessel vasculitides. However, it is not possible to know with any certainty if there has been an increase in incidence. There has been an attempt to divide the patients with CSS into an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive and cytoplasmic antibody-negative group. The former group has an increased frequency of renal involvement, parenchymal pulmonary disease, constitutional symptoms, and peripheral and central nervous system involvement, whereas the latter group has more frequent cardiac disease. The role of eosinophils and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies remains poorly defined but provocative. Leukotriene receptor antagonists do not appear to induce CSS but facilitate the tapering of glucocorticoids, which unmasks the condition. Glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide remain the foundation of treatment for vasculitis, but there are other promising and less toxic alternatives on the horizon.