Clinical Features and Presentation of Infectious Scleritis from Herpes Viruses

[Scleritis and episcleritis]

Scleritis and episcleritis are rare ocular inflammatory diseases but deserve to be known by internists because of their frequent association with systemic autoimmune diseases. It is important to distinguish them between because their prognosis, therapeutic management and potential complications are very different. Episcleritis represents a superficial ocular inflammation with usually benign visual prognosis, no complication with local treatment, and is associated with a systemic autoimmune disease in rare cases. In contrast, scleritis is a potentially serious ophthalmological condition that can threaten the visual prognosis in the absence of appropriate systemic treatment. It is associated with an underlying disease in 40-50% of cases, in particular a systemic autoimmune disease (25-35% of cases) or an infectious cause (5-10% of cases). Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic vasculitides, particularly antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides, are the main autoimmune causes of scleritis and episcleritis. Scleritis can reveal the underlying autoimmune disease and requires systematic etiological investigations. Aggressive, complicated, refractory forms or those associated with a systemic autoimmune disease require glucocorticoids or even immunosuppressants, and close collaboration between ophthalmologists and internists is required. The development of biologic agents offers new effective therapeutic tools in the management of these difficult cases.

Necrotizing Scleritis: A Review

Necrotizing scleritis is the most destructive and vision-threatening form of scleritis. Necrotizing scleritis can occur in systemic autoimmune disorders and systemic vasculitis, as well as following microbial infection. Rheumatoid arthritis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis remain the commonest identifiable systemic diseases associated with necrotising scleritis. Pseudomonas species is the most common organism causing infectious necrotizing scleritis, with surgery the most common risk factor. Necrotizing scleritis has the highest rates of complications and is more prone to secondary glaucoma and cataract than other phenotypes of scleritis. The differentiation between non-infectious and infectious necrotizing scleritis is not always easy but is critical in the management of necrotizing scleritis. Non-infectious necrotizing scleritis requires aggressive treatment with combination immunosuppressive therapy. Infectious scleritis is often recalcitrant and difficult to control, requiring long-term antimicrobial therapy and surgical debridement with drainage and patch grafting due to deep-seated infection and the avascularity of the sclera.

Presumed tuberculosis-related scleritis

AIMS

To evaluate the clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcome of patients with recurrent scleritis of unknown demonstrable aetiology and positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of the demographic, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic outcome data of 15 patients. Clinical characteristics as well as remission rate after standard antituberculous therapy (ATT) were assessed.

RESULTS

There were 9 men and 6 women with a mean age of 48.9 years (range, 32-73). Scleritis was diffuse in 10 patients (66.6%) and nodular in 5 patients (33.3%), 1 of them with concomitant posterior scleritis. It was bilateral in 7 patients (46.6%) and recurrent in all of them. Scleritis appeared after prior uveitis (10 patients, 66.6%) and/or with concomitant uveitis (5 patients, 33.3%) or peripheral keratitis (5 patients, 33.3%). Previous ocular surgery was found in 7 patients (46.6%). Previous extraocular tuberculosis (TB) infection or previous TB contact was detected in 11 patients (73.3%). No radiologic findings of active extraocular TB were detected. ATT was used in 15 patients, sometimes with the addition of systemic corticosteroids (5 patients) and methotrexate (1 patient); 14 patients achieved complete remission (93.3%).

CONCLUSION

Presumed TB-related scleritis may appear in recurrent scleritis of unknown origin and positive QFT. It may occur after prior uveitis and/or concomitantly with uveitis or peripheral keratitis, and it may be triggered by previous ocular surgery. No patients had evidence of concurrent active extraocular infection, although many had previous TB infection or TB contact. ATT was effective, sometimes with the addition of systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate.

A case of bilateral sclerouveitis with secondary glaucoma right eye

Infectious scleritis is rare and most commonly herpetic in origin. We report an unusual bilateral subacute presentation of scleritis with uveitis and glaucoma which responded to treatment with acyclovir. A 47-year-old male coast guard personnel presented with 2 months history of bilateral red eye. He was initially managed elsewhere as conjunctivitis, and on examination had bilateral diffuse redness of the eyes persisting with phenylephrine, with scleral edema and mild globe tenderness. Investigations for underlying autoimmune systemic illness were normal. He showed inadequate response to topical steroids and cycloplegics and developed uveitis and glaucoma while on steroids. He was then given tablet acyclovir with antiglaucoma topical medications with which he showed rapid response and complete resolution. The case is being reported for highlighting this unusual bilateral presentation of scleritis with uveitis and glaucoma with possible viral etiology.

Associations between Sjögren Syndrome, Sociodemographic Factors, Comorbid Conditions, and Scleritis in a Taiwanese Population-Based Study

This nationwide, population-based, retrospective, matched case–control study included 111,960 newly diagnosed patients with scleritis who were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 379.0, selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Demographic characteristics, Sjögren syndrome, and comorbid conditions within 1 year before the scleritis diagnosis were examined using univariate logistic regression analyses, and a paired t-test was used for continuous variables. Adjusted logistic regression was used to compare the prognosis odds ratio (OR) of the patients with scleritis with the controls. After adjustment for confounders, patients with Sjögren syndrome were remarkably more likely to have scleritis than the controls (OR = 33.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 27.43–40.97, p < 0.001). Other conditions found to have increased odds of scleritis included post ocular pterygium, glaucoma, and scleral surgery (OR  =  4.01, 95% CI  =  3.64–4.43; OR  =  3.16, 95% CI  =  2.24–4.47; OR  =  6.83, 95% CI  =  5.34–8.74, respectively); systemic infections, such as syphilis, tuberculosis, and a human herpes viral infection (OR  =  4.01, 95% CI  =  2.93–5.50; OR  =  2.24, 95% CI  =  1.94–2.58; OR  =  8.54, 95% CI  =  8.07–9.03, respectively); and systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout (OR  =  2.93, 95% CI  =  2.66–3.23; OR  =  7.37, 95% CI  =  3.91–13.88; OR  =  3.18, 95% CI  =  2.63–3.85; OR  =  5.57, 95% CI  =  4.99–6.22; OR  =  2.84, 95% CI  =  2.72–2.96, respectively). The results strongly support an association between Sjögren syndrome, post ocular surgery, systemic infection disease, systemic autoimmune disease, and scleritis.

Herpetic Keratitis and Corneal Endothelitis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Series

Herpetic corneal disease is the most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in developed countries. The majority of the infections are caused by the reactivation of the latent virus in the trigeminal ganglion. Environmental factors and physical stress are thought to contribute to viral reactivation. The pathognomonic lesion of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is dendritic keratitis, which is visible on slit-lamp examination after fluorescein dye staining. A potential association between HSV reactivation and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines has been reported. In this case series, we present four cases of HSV reactivation in patients who received COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia from different medical centers. This report emphasizes the necessity of evaluating HSV reactivation as a potential side effect of COVID-19 vaccination. This is important because early diagnosis and timely management of herpetic lesions can potentially reduce the severity of infection.

Optical coherence tomography versus ophthalmic examination findings in the management of anterior scleritis: A prospective study

PURPOSE

The goal of this work was to analyze optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings compared to ophthalmic examination results in the management of anterior scleritis.

METHODS

We carried out a prospective study including patients presenting with anterior scleritis who underwent complete clinical examinations and OCT at baseline and at the final follow-up visit.

RESULTS

The mean age was 46years. The superior and temporal quadrants were clinically the most involved regions and showed the greatest thickness on the OCT images. Nodules were observed clinically in 6 patients, while OCT revealed them in 9 cases. OCT revealed 3 cases of sub-clinical necrosis. Separation of fibers, scleral edema, dilated vessels, fluid pockets and increased scleral thickness were the most common signs of the disease. Mean total scleral thickness and mean scleral-episcleral complex thickness were significantly improved after treatment (P=0.001 and P=0.00; respectively). Post-streptococcal syndrome (PSS) was diagnosed in 3 cases of non-necrotizing anterior scleritis. Necrotizing forms were low-grade and were associated with systemic diseases in 2 out of 3 patients. OCT signs persisted for a substantial time after resolution of clinical signs.

CONCLUSION

OCT helped to distinguish necrosis and scleral nodules in subclinical cases. Non-necrotizing forms of scleritis supported the diagnosis of PSS, while necrotizing forms suggested systemic diseases. Complete resolution of a scleral inflammation could be followed more objectively with OCT than by clinical examination.

A case of nodular episcleritis mimicking a solitary giant episcleral mass

PURPOSE

To describe an atypical nodular episcleritis mimicking a solitary giant episcleral mass, which is not attributed to any systemic diseases and identified only after immunohistochemical examination.

CASE REPORT

A sixty-year-old Chinese woman with systemic hypertension presented with 6-month history of giant, solitary and redness epibulbar mass arising from the superior aspect of her left eye. The lesion gradually enlarged, even with 6-month history of irregular topical steroid eye drops treatment. Imaging studies and laboratory test revealed a 10 mm × 8 mm episcleral mass absence of any infection indicator and autoimmune antibody changes. The mass was completely removed before its extension through the deep scleral, histopathologic examination revealed a nodular episcleritis composed of various chronic inflammatory cells infiltration. Topical steroid eye drops treatment combined with oral steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was then administrated regularly for 1 month, and no recurrence occurred after 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Nodular anterior episcleritis is characterized by underlying chronic inflammation of the anterior episclera and can be presented as asymptomatic episcleral mass. Besides a thorough investigation systemically, tissue biopsy is required for definite diagnosis.

Infectious Scleritis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

ABSTRACT

Infectious scleritis (IS) is a rare and severe ocular disorder responsible for approximately 5%-15% of all scleritis cases. It is often associated with a poor prognosis due to its similar clinical presentation to autoimmune scleritis, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, differentiating between infectious and noninfectious entities is critical. Several details extracted from the patient's history and clinical examination can raise suspicion for infection. The most common predisposing factor is previous ocular surgery, especially pterygium, cataract, and vitreoretinal surgeries. Ocular trauma, poor contact lens hygiene, "eye-whitening" procedures, and subtenon triamcinolone injections have also been implicated. Clinical features of infection include the presence of scleral necrosis, hypopyon, unifocal or multifocal scleral abscesses, and mucopurulent discharge. Thorough diagnostic testing is essential before excluding infection as a possibility. Empiric broad-spectrum topical and systemic antibiotic therapy should be initiated while awaiting laboratory results and adjusted accordingly. Most IS cases require both aggressive medical and surgical treatment, and various studies have reported favorable outcomes with this combination. At this time, there is no consensus on the management of this severe ocular condition, and future studies are needed to establish clear treatment guidelines.

Chronic unilateral anterior scleritis, think about a herpetic origin: A case report

Scleritis is a very heterogeneous group of diseases responsible for ocular inflammation of varying severity, the evolution and prognosis of which depend on the etiology but also on the appropriate treatment. We report the case of a 15-year-old female patient, without any notable general history, followed in consultation for 3 months for a nodular scleritis not improving under usual treatments. She was reconsulted when her symptoms worsened and the examination revealed a minimal reaction of the anterior chamber, in addition to the nodular scleritis localized in the temporal region, with the notion of a vesicular eruption in the perioral region on the same side of the ocular involvement and preceding the ocular symptoms by one week, consistent with a cutaneous herpes. The patient was put on oral Aciclovir (800 mg, 3 times a day) with a clear improvement marked by a decrease in pain and redness, which improved again after the introduction of oral corticoids. The existence of an extraocular sign of herpes and the good response to antiviral treatment, thus confirming the herpetic etiology of this chronic nodular scleritis. Scleritis is caused by herpes in about 5% of cases. The clinical picture is either ophthalmic herpes zoster with associated scleritis (VZV), or diffuse anterior scleritis, unilateral in 80% of cases, related to herpes simplex. The diagnosis can be confirmed by local swabs, or more often by an antiviral therapeutic test.

Tuberculous Scleritis and Multidrug Resistance

Purpose: To present a case of necrotizing sclerokeratitis in a patient with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and study the challenges in diagnosis and management of anterior tuberculous scleritis.Methods: Retrospective observational case report and review of anterior tuberculous scleritis.Results: A 28-year-old woman, previously diagnosed as presumed tubercular panuveitis, presented with necrotizing sclerokeratitis and progressed to develop panophthalmitis. Laboratory investigations revealed multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis as the etiological agent. We reviewed cases of anterior tuberculous scleritis published in the literature, with regards to clinical features, microbiological investigations, treatment, and outcomes. Treatment includes standard antitubercular therapy, with or without systemic corticosteroids. Poor response to treatment is seen either due to delayed diagnosis or drug resistance, and the significance of the same is highlighted in our case.Conclusion: Diagnosis of tuberculous scleritis is a challenge. Therapeutic failure must alert the clinician for drug resistance which is diagnosed early, can prevent the devastating outcomes.

A systematic review on advances in diagnostics for herpes simplex keratitis

Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) is a significant cause of vision impairment worldwide. Currently, there are no set diagnostic criteria, and popular diagnostic methods, including clinical examination of the eye via slit lamp examination, could lead to false-negatives and misdiagnoses. Molecular testing with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may lack concordance with clinical findings, posing a great challenge to ophthalmologists. We evaluate recent studies on techniques for the diagnosis of HSK. We included a total of 23 studies published between 2010 and 2020 in English on diagnostic techniques, including in vivo confocal microscopy, polymerase PCR testing, protein detection in tear film with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and various other protein assays. Although PCR has been widely used as one of the current diagnostic methods for HSK, most studies evaluated its efficacy after including alterations to its normal protocol. Tear sample analysis was performed using multiple tools, although corneal scrapings demonstrated a higher positive detection rate. Diagnostic tools identified were able to detect HSK with varying accuracy. Newer diagnostic techniques like multiplex dot hybridization assay and immunochromatographic assays may be considered as the point-of-care preliminary diagnostic tools. More reliable results may be generated by developing a standardized diagnostic protocol.

Clinical course of von Szily reaction: Case report and comprehensive review of the literature

Purpose

To describe a rare case of von Szily reaction (VSR) accompanied by a comprehensive review of the literature.

Observations

A 57-year-old woman with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) associated with ipsilateral sectoral scleritis and anterior uveitis (sclerouveitis) subsequently developed contralateral necrotizing retinitis, leading to a diagnosis of VSR. A literature review revealed 10 additional cases of VSR. The full VSR cohort of 11 subjects included six women and five men, had a median age of 39 years (range 21–78 years), and most presented with HZO (n = 7, 63.6%), often associated with either ipsilateral anterior uveitis (n = 5; 45.5%) or keratitis (n = 4; 36.4%). All 11 cases developed necrotizing retinitis in the fellow eye, at a median of six weeks following onset in the sentinel eye. The most frequently implicated agent was varicella zoster virus (VZV; n = 8, 72.7%). A high proportion of the eight patients with VZV-associated VSR were identified as having increased risk of VZV reactivation, including age of 50 years or greater (n = 5, 62.5%), an underlying malignancy (n = 3, 37.5%), and/or use of immunosuppressive medication (n = 2, 25.0%).

Conclusion

This was the first reported case of VSR presenting as HZO-associated with sclerouveitis. A comprehensive literature review revealed that most previously reported cases presented with HZO associated with isolated anterior uveitis and/or keratitis, and that all reported cases of VSR developed necrotizing retinitis in the fellow eye, typically within two months of initial presentation. Patients with VZV-associated VSR often had known risk factors for VZV reactivation.

Scleritis: Differentiating infectious from non-infectious entities

Scleritis is a rare painful ocular disorder, associated with severe ocular pain and tissue destruction. Although a majority of these cases are immune mediated and at least half of these are associated with systemic immune-mediated diseases, a smaller minority are due to infections of the sclera. The two conditions closely mimic each other, and a thorough knowledge of the subtle differences is necessary in order to reach a timely diagnosis. Diagnostic delay can lead to a poor outcome both due to the destruction caused by the uncontrolled infection and also due to propagation of the infection with the use of corticosteroids which may have been started for presumed immune mediated scleritis. In this review, we present the clinical features, etiological agents, and the differentiating features between immune and infectious scleritis. We also present diagnostic and management guidelines for managing scleral infection.

Atypical herpes simplex virus type 2 acute retinal necrosis presentation with large subretinal lesion

Purpose

To report the unique clinical findings of a case of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 herpetic retinitis manifesting as a large elevated subretinal lesion.

Observations

A 26-year-old Hispanic male with no significant past medical history presented with a one-week history of right eye pain and endorsement of worsening vision. Ophthalmic examination of the right eye identified a markedly elevated white subretinal lesion with associated findings of vitritis and hypotony. Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated a diffusely thickened choroid and confirmed the observed subretinal mass. Examination of the fellow left eye was largely unremarkable with the exception of lesions suggestive of inactive chorioretinal scars. Diagnostic vitrectomy and vitreous PCR (polymerase chain reaction) was positive only for HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus type 2) and verified by two independent laboratories. The observed subretinal lesion of right eye improved on intravenous acyclovir and intravitreal foscarnet treatment.

Conclusions and Importance

Presented here is an unusual, novel clinical presentation of HSV-2 acute retinal necrosis manifesting as an elevated subretinal lesion along with findings of panuveitis. This case suggests that consideration should be given to the diagnosis of HSV ARN (acute retinal necrosis) when a subretinal elevation is concomitantly appreciated in the setting of vitritis and chorioretinal lesions.

Post-herpes neurotrophic keratopathy: Aetiopathogenesis, clinical signs and current therapies

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a degenerative corneal disease caused by damage of trigeminal innervation. This leads to epithelial defects, ulceration and, eventually, perforation. Both herpes simplex and varicella zoster keratitis are reported to be the main causes of NK. Furthermore, prognosis in this type of NK is poor. Classic clinical findings in post-herpes NK are spontaneous epithelial breakdown, round and central epithelial defects with smooth edges, stromal melting and thinning, scarring, and neovascularisation. Although several medical and surgical treatments have been reported, no therapies are currently available to definitely restore corneal sensitivity. Therefore, NK remains a challenging disease to treat. In this review a summary is presented of the pathogenesis, manifestations, and current management of post-herpes NK. The role of antiviral treatment and varicella-zoster vaccination is also discussed. A description is also presented on both medical and surgical novel therapies, such as regenerative drugs and corneal neurotization.

[Scleritis and episcleritis]

Episcleritis is generally a benign disease with a self-limited course, while scleritis is a severe ocular condition due to a risk of impaired vision in one-fifth of patients and its association with systemic diseases in one third of them. Infectious scleritis, representing 8 % of the etiologies, is mainly of herpetic origin (varicella zoster and herpes simplex viruses). A systemic autoimmune disease is observed in roughly 30 % of scleritis patients: inflammatory rheumatisms (15 %), firstly rheumatoid polyarthritis, systemic vasculitides (8 %), mainly granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) and polychondritis, and less often inflammatory bowel disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Among the different types of scleritis, a clear distinction exists between necrotizing forms leading to decreased vision in 50 % of the cases and associated with systemic diseases in the vast majority, and non-necrotizing forms (either diffuse or nodular), with a better prognosis. However, recent publications show that necrotizing forms are much less frequent nowadays (around 5 % of the total), probably due to therapeutic innovations and progress made during the last 20 years. The medical management of scleritis requires collaboration between ophthalmologists and internists (or rheumatologists).

Ocular Pharmacology for Scleritis: Review of Treatment and a Practical Perspective

Scleritis is defined as an infectious or noninfectious inflammation of the sclera that can be broadly categorized according to anatomic location (ie, anterior or posterior) and whether the process is necrotizing or non-necrotizing. Treatment for scleritis is dictated by the etiology of the inflammation, with infectious forms requiring treatment of the inciting agent and noninfectious forms requiring treatment of the underlying inflammation with immunosuppression. Pharmacotherapy for noninfectious scleritis can be classified according to delivery route (eg, local or systemic) and mechanism of action (eg, biologic or nonbiologic). This review will briefly summarize the classification scheme for scleritis before reviewing in depth both systemic and local pharmacotherapies that can be used to effectively treat an eye afflicted by either infectious or noninfectious scleritis. Traditional anti-inflammatory agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and immunomodulatory therapy will be discussed, as well as newer biologic therapies such as antitumor necrosis factor alpha and anti-CD20 agents.

Occult Fungal Scleritis

PURPOSE

To heighten awareness of occult fungal scleritis.

METHOD

Case report and review of the literature.

RESULTS

A 73-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus was diagnosed for 3 months with immune-mediated scleritis and subsequently treated with corticosteroids. On referral, the patient had a scleral nodule with contiguous corneal infiltrate and hypopyon. Culture grew Fusarium species not further classified. The infection could not be controlled with antifungal therapy, and the eye was removed. No exogenous or endogenous source for the infection could be identified by clinical history or examination.

CONCLUSION

Fungal scleritis can develop in persons without a history of foreign body injury, minor trauma, or evidence of endogenous fungemia. A high index of suspicion for infectious scleritis must be maintained in persons with presumed immune-mediated scleritis who fail to respond to conventional therapy, particularly if they present with decreased visual acuity.

Tuberculous scleral abscess with choroidal detachment

We present a case of ocular tuberculosis (TB) presenting as scleral abscess with choroidal detachment. A 60-year-old woman presented with intense pain, redness, watering and decreased vision in the right eye (RE) for 1 week duration. Slit lamp examination of RE revealed diffuse scleritis with two pus-pointing areas in the supero-temporal quadrant suggesting scleral abscess. Fundus examination of the RE showed choroidal detachment in the temporal and inferior quadrant. Left eye examination was unremarkable. Ziehl-Neelsen staining of scleral biopsy showed acid-fast bacilli. PCR of the scleral tissue was also positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. The final diagnosis of tuberculous scleral abscess with choroidal detachment was made and patient showed good response to antitubercular treatment. In countries endemic for TB, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for scleral abscess, since prompt diagnosis and treatment will ensure good visual outcome as depicted in our case.

Ocular toxocariasis presenting as bilateral scleritis with suspect retinal granuloma in the nerve fiber layer: a case report

BACKGROUND

This report details ocular toxocariasis presenting as bilateral scleritis with suspect retinal granuloma in the nerve fiber layer.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient presented with scleritis, which did not improve with systemic steroid. Intraocular pressure was elevated, and well demarcated hyper-reflective round lesion were noted in both eyes. He had a history of general ache and concurrent onset of ocular symptoms the day after eating raw meat. Systemic work-ups revealed no remarkable abnormalities except antibody for toxocara. Oral albendazole and steroid were prescribed. The inflammation and swellings resolved without recurrence. In the current case, scleritis with suspect granuloma in the nerve fiber layer seems to be caused by toxocara.

CONCLUSION

Ocular toxocariasis can be presented as atypical features. Serologic exams for toxocariasis would be considered not only in typical features but also in other uveitis or scleritis, particularly when the patient has a related history.

Nodular Scleritis Associated with Herpes Zoster Virus: An Infectious and Immune-Mediated Process

Purpose. To describe a case of anterior nodular scleritis, preceded by an anterior hypertensive uveitis, which was primarily caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). Case Report. A 54-year-old woman presented with anterior uveitis of the right eye presumably caused by herpetic viral disease and was successfully treated. Two months later, she developed a nodular scleritis and started oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory without effect. A complete laboratory workup revealed positivity for HLA-B27; the infectious workup was negative. Therapy was changed to oral prednisolone and an incomplete improvement occurred. Therefore, a diagnostic anterior paracentesis was performed and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed VZV. She was treated with valacyclovir and the oral prednisolone began to decrease; however, a marked worsening of the scleritis occurred with the reduction of the daily dose; subsequently, methotrexate was introduced allowing the suspension of the prednisolone and led to clinical resolution of the scleritis. Conclusion. This report of anterior nodular scleritis caused by VZV argues in favor of an underlying immune-mediated component, requiring immunosuppressive therapy for clinical resolution. The PCR analysis of the aqueous humor was revealed to be a valuable technique and should be considered in cases of scleritis with poor response to treatment.

Clinical manifestations and outcome of tuberculous sclerokeratitis

AIM

To study the clinical manifestations and outcome of patients with tuberculous sclerokeratitis treated with antituberculous therapy without concomitant use of systemic steroids.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of eight consecutive patients with tuberculous sclerokeratitis. Patients were treated unsuccessfully with topical and/or systemic steroids. They underwent complete ophthalmic examination, systemic evaluation, laboratory investigations and imaging. Tuberculin skin test was done with purified protein derivative (PPD) on all patients. The diagnosis of tuberculous sclerokeratitis was made based on clinical findings of scleritis with adjacent peripheral corneal stromal keratitis, positive PPD test of 15 mm of induration or more, response to antituberculous treatment (ATT) within 4 weeks and exclusion of other causes of sclerokeratitis. Antituberculous drugs were given for a minimum of 6 months without concomitant use of corticosteroids. The outcome measure was resolution of the ocular surface inflammation of the sclera and cornea.

RESULTS

Eight consecutive patients with a diagnosis of tuberculous sclerokeratitis were included. There were one male and seven female patients. The mean age was 29 years with an age range of 7-43 years. The involvement of the sclera was nodular in six patients and diffuse in two. The involvement of the cornea consisted of peripheral corneal stromal inflammation adjacent to the area of scleritis. Patients responded to antituberculous medications with complete resolution of the sclerokeratitis without topical or systemic anti-inflammatory agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Antituberculous medications can lead to complete resolution of the sclerokeratitis without concomitant use of steroids, or other anti-inflammatory agents.

Orbital and external ocular manifestations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A review of the literature

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that most commonly affects the lungs. However, extrapulmonary manifestations of TB can affect the eye and surrounding orbital tissues. TB can affect nearly any tissue in the eye, and a high index of suspicion is required for accurate diagnosis. Systemic anti-tuberculosis treatment is required in cases of ocular TB, and steroids are sometimes necessary to prevent tissue damage secondary to inflammation. Delays in diagnosis are common and can result in morbidities such as loss of an affected eye. It is important for ophthalmologists and infectious disease specialists to work together to accurately diagnose and treat ocular TB in order to prevent vision loss. This article reports the various known presentations of orbital and external ocular TB and reviews important elements of diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical features of patients with episcleritis and scleritis in an Italian tertiary care referral center

PURPOSE

To evaluate demographic characteristics, clinical features, systemic disease associations, visual outcomes, and treatment modalities of patients with episcleritis and scleritis in an Italian tertiary care referral center.

METHODS

Data from 25 patients with episcleritis and from 85 patients with scleritis followed from 2003 to 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The main outcome measures were demographics, ocular disease characteristics, presence of systemic associated disease, treatment regimen, and follow-up period.

RESULTS

Episcleritis and scleritis were found bilaterally in 24% and 31% of patients, respectively (p<0.521). The episcleritis was diffuse in 15 and focal in 10 patients, while the scleritis was diffuse in 49, nodular in 28, necrotizing in 6, and posterior in 2 patients. Anterior uveitis (4% vs 31%; p<0.006), peripheral ulcerative keratitis (0% vs 14%; p<0.167), ocular hypertension (0% vs 7%; p<0.333), and a decrease in visual acuity (4% vs 19%; p<0.112) were encountered as ocular complications in patients with episcleritis and patients with scleritis, respectively. An associated systemic disease was found in 20% and 52% of patients with episcleritis and patients with scleritis (p<0.004). Among patients with episcleritis, 76% required topical corticosteroid treatment to achieve disease resolution, 16% oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and 8% antivirals; 39% of patients with scleritis required systemic NSAIDs, 12% oral corticosteroids, 34% immunosuppressive drugs, and 15% antibiotics or antivirals.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of differentiating scleritis from episcleritis is remarkable given the significant difference in the degree of ocular complications and associated systemic diseases between these ocular conditions. Prompt diagnosis, systemic assessment, and treatment are fundamental in all patients with scleral inflammation.

Clinical characteristics and visual outcomes in infectious scleritis: a review

Infection is a very important but rare cause of scleritis, occurring in about 5%-10% of all patients presenting with scleral inflammation. However, due to the similarity of its presentation, infectious scleritis is often initially managed as autoimmune, potentially further worsening its outcome. The overall visual outcome in infectious scleritis is generally worse than its autoimmune counterparts, perhaps because of the delay in diagnosis or because of the aggressive nature of associated microbes. Thus, there is a definite need for insight into the diagnostic approach and treatment options for this ocular disease process. Several studies and case reports have been published in recent years that have provided useful information regarding the presenting clinical features and etiologic microbial agents in infectious scleritis. This review summarizes the important findings in the literature that may aid in differentiating infectious scleritis from other etiologies, including predisposing factors, microbe-specific characteristics, diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, and outcomes.

Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous uveitis in a low endemic setting

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors associated with the diagnosis of tuberculous uveitis and the response to anti-tuberculous treatment (ATT).

METHODS

A retrospective case study was performed at the University Medical Centre Utrecht between October 2007 and December 2009. Patients with possible tuberculous uveitis (TBU) were selected from all patients with an unexplained uveitis. Demographics, ethnicity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tuberculin skin test (TST), QuantiFERON (QFT) test, and ocular findings were evaluated. An interdisciplinary panel discussed if there was a presumed TBU and decided to start treatment. When there was a decrease in intraocular cell count and/or improvement in visual acuity after ATT, the confirmation of presumed TBU was made.

RESULTS

Of 585 patients with unexplained uveitis, 66 (11.3%) fulfilled the definition of possible TBU. Ten (15.4%) patients were regarded as having presumed TBU and received ATT. All of them had latent tuberculosis (LTB). The ocular situation improved in seven patients (70%). A history of TB contact, abnormalities on chest radiology, and extraocular manifestations of TB were associated with a good response to ATT in the case of presumed tuberculous uveitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculous uveitis remains difficult to diagnose. No clearly correlating factors that predicted the response to ATT, including ocular parameters, could be identified.

Update on ocular tuberculosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite recent downtrends, tuberculosis remains a worldwide public health concern. This review provides an update on recent demographic data, clinical and experimental data, and diagnostic modalities.

RECENT FINDINGS

Quantitative PCR showing mycobacterial load in intraocular fluids may have an emerging role in the diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis when used in combination with ophthalmic features of tuberculosis. Recent investigations in porcine models of ocular tuberculosis have provided valuable insight into the microbiologic, histologic, and clinical features of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the choroid. Differentiating features between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis include tuberculin skin test status, the presence of ocular surface disease, and the anatomic relationship between vasculitis and choroiditis.

SUMMARY

The diagnosis of presumed ocular tuberculosis remains a clinical challenge with currently available diagnostic modalities. Although newer interferon-γ release assays can distinguish exposure to M. tuberculosis from the Bacille-Calmette-Guérin vaccine strain, they currently lack the specificity to distinguish between latent tuberculosis infection and active tuberculosis. Continued improvement in the currently available molecular diagnostic techniques including quantitative PCR may be valuable in our ability to establish an earlier etiologic diagnosis and institute appropriate antimycobacterial therapy.

Translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) is present in human cornea and increases in herpetic keratitis

BACKGROUND

Translationally controlled tumour protein is a multifunctional calcium binding protein which has an important role in apoptosis, calcium levels balance and immunological response. The aim of this study was to evaluated the presence and distribution of TCTP in healthy human corneas and to identify and characterize the presence and distribution of this protein in human normal cornea. Since recent studies suggest that apoptosis, calcium levels and immunological mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis of herpetic stromal keratitis, we studied TCTP expression in this disease.

METHODS

We evaluated the expression of TCTP at both RNA messanger and protein level by using reverse transcriptase analysis, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in 10 healthy samples cornea: four obtained after penetrating keratoplasty and six from eyes enucleated for other pathologies. Finally, we analysed by immunohistochemistry ten paraffin-embedded samples of Herpes simplex virus keratitis collected at Siena Department of Human Pathology and Oncology: 5 had clinically quiescent disease and 5 had active corneal inflammation.

RESULTS

Reverse transcriptase and immunoblotting demonstrated TCTP expression in cornea as a 22,000 Da molecular weight band corresponding to the molecular weight of this protein. Immunohistochemically, all the layers of normal corneal epithelium showed TCTP cytoplasmic expression. TCTP was, also, observed in keratocytes and in the endothelium. In Herpes simplex virus keratitis samples, strong expression of TCTP was evident in stromal cells, in the inflammatory infiltrate and in neo-vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

In this preliminary study we demonstrated, for the first time, the presence of TCTP in human cornea, suggesting a potential role in the pathogenesis of herpes virus keratitis.

VIRTUAL SLIDES

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/3306813447428149.