Bilateral neuroretinitis and membranous lupus nephritis: 2 infrequent manifestations in juvenile lupus

Abstract

Fifteen-year-old female patient, previously healthy, referred to our center for presenting abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, malar erythema, palpebral and lower limb edema, arthralgia, morning stiffness and bilateral blurred vision. Laboratory and imaging studies together with the clinic allowed the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus. Ophthalmology examination revealed a visual acuity of 8/10 in both eyes and bilateral disc edema with partial macular star, findings compatible with bilateral neuroretinitis. Renal biopsy established the diagnosis of membranous lupus nephritis. Immunosuppressive treatment was started, obtaining gradual clinical improvement. Although systemic lupus erythematosus with membranous lupus nephritis and neuroretinitis is a very infrequent association, when faced with a patient with bilateral neuroretinitis, we must consider systemic lupus erythematosus within the differential diagnoses.

Keywords: Compromiso ocular; Eye involvement; Lupus eritematoso sistémico; Lupus nephritis; Nefritis lúpica; Nephrotic syndrome; Neuroretinitis; Neurorretinitis; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Síndrome nefrótico.