Ocular manifestations of rheumatic diseases are common and contribute significantly to the morbidity and reduced quality of life of affected patients. Knowledge of typical clinical manifestations is important for the rheumatologist in order to support the reference of patients with corresponding symptoms for ophthalmological consultation at an early stage of disease, or to initiate regular screening examinations (e.g. in patients with Behçet's syndrome). Conversely, a (possibly urgent) rheumatological assessment is crucial for certain ophthalmological diseases, in order not to overlook a (possibly fatal) systemic associated disease. Patients with rheumatic or inflammatory ocular diseases should always be informed by the treating physician about possible symptoms of other organ manifestations, in order to avoid a delayed diagnosis. "Classic" associations for uveitis are (HLA-B27-associated) spondyloarthritis and acute anterior uveitis, as well as retinal vasculitis with or without panuveitis and Behçet's syndrome. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis or ANCA-associated vasculitis, however, scleritis (with or without peripheral ulcerative keratitis) typically occurs, but a variety of other findings are also possible. Close interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly regarding therapeutic decisions, is crucial to ensuring a good prognosis for the patient.
Keyphrases
- early stage
- ankylosing spondylitis
- case report
- optic nerve
- end stage renal disease
- juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- newly diagnosed
- ejection fraction
- primary care
- chronic kidney disease
- healthcare
- rheumatoid arthritis
- emergency department
- liver failure
- depressive symptoms
- peritoneal dialysis
- optical coherence tomography
- oxidative stress
- respiratory failure
- radiation therapy
- sentinel lymph node
- patient reported outcomes
- extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
- chemotherapy induced
- locally advanced