[Retinal vasculopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case of lupus vasculitis and a case of non-vasculitis venous occlusion]

Abstract

Clinic case: Two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with vision loss, and were diagnosed with retinal vasculopathy. Patient 1 had occlusive vasculitis with macular oedema and retinal ischaemia in the right eye. Corticosteroid therapy was increased and intravenous rituximab added. Intravitreal therapy and panretinal photocoagulation were performed. Patient 2 presented with a left central retinal vein occlusion without vasculitis but was on anticoagulation therapy due to having an antiphospholipid syndrome. Both patients maintained a stable visual acuity.

Discussion: Occlusive lupus retinal vasculitis has severe visual and systemic consequences (central nervous system vasculitis). It is crucial to differentiate it from standard vascular occlusion syndromes.

Keywords: Antiphospholipid syndrome; Lupus; Oclusión venosa; Rituximab; Síndrome antifosfolípido; Vasculitis; Vein occlusion.