Churg–Strauss syndrome in association with proliferative retinopathy

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Presenting With Visual Problems and Subendocardial Fibrosis, A Case Report

This case highlights the atypical presentation of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) with neurological and cardiac complications, emphasizing the necessity of early recognition and aggressive treatment to prevent morbidity and mortality.

EYE DISEASE IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: CLINICAL CHALLENGES IN A UNIQUE PATIENT POPULATION

Eye disease is common among kidney transplant recipients and their management is challenging. Chronic kidney disease is associated with ocular complications, both independently and in the context of various systemic disorders. In addition, chronic immunosuppression predisposes kidney transplant recipients to an array of long-term ocular issues. This may be broadly categorized into infections, malignancies, and other immunosuppression-specific side effects. The interdependence of kidney disease, transplant pharmacotherapy and ocular health therefore requires a multispecialty approach. Although the kidney transplant population has grown along with the burden of associated oculopathies, systematic guidelines targeting this patient group are lacking. This evidenced-based narrative review summarizes the pertinent issues that may present in the ophthalmic and optometric clinical settings, with emphasis on collaborative management and directions for future research.

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.