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DOI: 10.48087/BJMS.2026.130325
Authors: Naoual KHALDOUN¹, Sabrina HAID¹, Sihem KOURTAA¹, Naghib BOUILOUTA², Amina LOUAHCHI², Fella HANNI¹.
Affiliations: 1- Service de rhumatologie. EHS Boukhroufa-Ben Aknoun. Alger. 2- Ophtalmologue, cabinet libéral. Alger – Algérie.
Abstract
Retinal vasculitis is a rare but serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that can threaten vision and lead to permanent blindness. We report the case of a patient hospitalized for an SLE flare who presented with sudden visual loss. Ophthalmologic examination and fluorescein angiography revealed active retinal vasculitis with peripheral ischemic areas and macular edema. High-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy — intravenous cyclophosphamide followed by azathioprine maintenance — were promptly initiated. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and urgent intervention in lupus-related retinal vasculitis. Despite a previously mild disease course over nearly nine years, limited to articular, cutaneous, and hematological manifestations, the patient developed a major sight-threatening complication. Rapid initiation of intensive therapy, combined with multidisciplinary ophthalmologic and rheumatologic follow-up, led to progressive recovery of visual acuity and complete resolution of retinal lesions. This report underscores the unpredictable nature of SLE and the need for continuous monitoring, while emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, urgent treatment, and coordinated care between rheumatologists and ophthalmologists in preventing severe visual complications. Retinal involvement should be systematically investigated in any patient presenting with ocular symptoms during an SLE flare.
Keywords: lupus, retinal vasculitis, blindness, immunosuppressants.