Relevance of Brain MRI in Patients with Uveitis: Retrospective Cohort on 402 Patients

Abstract

Aim: To assess the diagnostic value of brain magnetic resonance imaging (bMRI) for the etiological diagnosis of uveitis and to establish predictive factors associated with its advantageous use.

Methods: Retrospective study on all patients with de novo uveitis who were referred to our tertiary hospital and who underwent a bMRI between 2003 and 2018.

Results: bMRI was contributive in 19 out of 402 cases (5%), among patients with a contributive bMRI, 68% had neurological signs. Univariate analysis established that neurological signs (p < .001), granulomatous uveitis (p = .003), retinal vasculitis (p = .002), and intermediate uveitis (p < .001) were all significantly associated with a contributive bMRI. Multivariate analysis confirms the significant association of neurological signs (p < .001) and intermediate uveitis (p = .01).

Conclusion: bMRI appears to be a relevant exam in specific cases; intermediate/posterior uveitis or panuveitis accompanied by neurological signs, retinal vasculitis, or in patients older than 40, to rule out an oculocerebral lymphoma.

Abbreviations: ACE: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme; bMRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; CBC: Complete Blood cell Count; BMRI: Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging; CT: Computerized Tomography; MS: Multiple Sclerosis; NS: Neurological Signs; OCL: Oculocerebral Lymphoma; RIS: Radiologically Isolated Syndrome.

Keywords: Brain magnetic resonance imaging; multiple sclerosis; oculocerebral lymphoma; retinal vasculitis; uveitis.