Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Aim: To provide a fact file on the etiology, clinical presentations and management of retinal vasculitis. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional Study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology. Demographic variables, risk factors, symptoms, clinical signs and visual acuity at presentation were studied. Examination tools used were Log MAR chart, slit lamp, direct & indirect ophthalmoscope. Results: 120 eyes of 100 patients with retinal vasculitis were studied. Among the 100 patients studied, 60(60%) were females and 40(40%) were males. The most common presenting symptom was defective vision seen in 70eyes (58.33%), followed by floaters in 45 eyes (37.5%). Other symptoms were pain reported in 23 eyes (19.17%), redness in 34 eyes (28.33%), photophobia in 24 eyes (20%) and flashes in 8 eyes (6.67%). Vascular sheathing was noted in 103(85.83)eyes making it the most common finding in retinal vasculitis eyes. Vitritis 65(54.17) and vascular sclerosis 50 (41.67) were other common findings. Vitreous hemorrhage 32 (26.67)was the most common type of hemorrhage noted in vasculitic eyes. Retinal neovascularization was seen in 42(35)eyes. Capillary nonperfusion (47%) was the most common angiographic finding followed by collaterals 24%. Macula was normal in 61 (50.5) eyes while it was not possible to comment on the macular status in 20 (16.67)eyes. Cystoid macular edema 10(8.33) epiretinal membrane 8 (6.67) and internal limiting membrane striae 7(5.84) were most common macular abnormalities noted. Majority of patients 37%) did not have any systemic illness. 47 %) patients had received oral steroids for retinal vasculitis. Out of 100 patients with retinal vasculitis, Mantoux test was positive in 40 (40%) but tuberculosis could be confirmed with X-ray chest and sputum examination for acid fast bacilli in only 8(8%) individuals. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level was found to be raised above normal levels in 7(7%) patients and antinuclear antibody (ANA) was found in an equal 7 (7%) patients. Conclusion: Retinal vasculitis cases had similar clinical presentations and common treatment plan. There was no systemic disease association with vasculitis warranting a careful approach in prescribing investigations.