Bilateral frosted branch angiitis in an initial case of systemic lupus erythematosus

Angeíte Congelada bilateral em um quadro inicial de Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico

ABSTRACT

Frosted branch angiitis is a rare and severe form of retinal vasculitis. It may be idiopathic or arise secondary to a systemic disease. We have reported here an unusually severe case of frosted branch angiitis in a previously healthy 13-year old girl who presented with significantly reduced vision in both eyes. In this case, frosted branch angiitis was one of the presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus. The characteristic patterns of frosted branch angiitis were observed on fundoscopy in both eyes. An extensive etiological study was conducted, whereby the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was confirmed. Only a few such cases have been reported so far in the literature.

Keywords:
Lupus erythematosus, systemic/complications; Retinal vasculitis/etiology; Retinal vasculitis/drug therapy; Immunosuppressive agents/therapeutic use; Case reports