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Case Report
Revised

Case Report: Recurrent retinal vein occlusion as the first clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a male patient

[version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]
Previous title: Case Report: Retinal vein occlusion as the first clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a male patient
PUBLISHED 13 Oct 2021
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Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by widespread clinical manifestations and immunological disorders. A myriad of ocular manifestations can be seen in patients with SLE. The most vision-threatening complication is vaso-occlusive retinopathy including retinal vein occlusion (RVO). RVO associated with SLE is well described in the literature and its association with antiphospholipid antibodies is recognized. However, RVO as the initial manifestation of SLE is scarcely reported.
Herein, we report the first case of recurrent RVO as the revealing manifestation of SLE in a 40-year-old male patient. He had two consecutive episodes of decreased vision. Ophthalmologic examination disclosed a branch retinal vein occlusion the first time and a central retinal vein occlusion the second time. The diagnosis of SLE was established based on clinical and immunological criteria. He was prescribed antiplatelet therapy, hydroxychloroquine at 5.5 mg/kg/day, and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies regimen. He slowly improved under treatment.

Keywords

Retinal vein occlusion, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Male patient, Intra-vitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibodies treatment, case report

Revised Amendments from Version 1

1. Data about the patient medical history was added.
2. We added further details about the laboratory investigations.
3. We have done corrections in the spelling of some words.

See the authors' detailed response to the review by Bouomrani Salem
See the authors' detailed response to the review by Matias Iglicki

Introduction

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common retinal vascular disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to vision loss1. Classic risk factors are hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus2. Systemic and inflammatory diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome were found to be associated with the development of RVO2. RVO associated with SLE is well described in the literature and its association with antiphospholipid antibodies is recognized1,2. However, RVO as the initial manifestation of SLE is very uncommon. Herein we report a unique case of recurrent RVO as the initial presentation of SLE in a male patient.

Case report

A 40-year-old Tunisian man, with no family history of autoimmune diseases and a personal medical history of hypertension treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, was admitted to the Ophthalmology Department of Taher Sfar University Hospital with blurred vision in the right eye. On detailed physical examination, he had no fever, arthritis, or chest complaints. On ophthalmologic examination, the best corrected visual acuity was 20/20, and a retinal branch vein occlusion in the right eye was disclosed. He was treated with aspirin (100 mg/day) associated with equilibration of his hypertension.

One year later, he experienced another episode of blurred and decreased vision in the same eye. Physical examination was unremarkable. A skin exam revealed he had an erythema over the malar area. His blood pressure was normal. Fundus examination disclosed central retinal vein occlusion, superficial flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages, and macular oedema (Figure 1). Fluorescein angiography (FA) demonstrated vascular tortuosity, retinal hemorrhage, and cotton wool spots on the right eye (Figure 2). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated cystoid macular oedema (Figure 3). The left eye examination showed normal sizes of the retinal vessels and retina. A refraction study showed a best corrected visual acuity at 20/70 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. On laboratory investigations, a blood test showed platelets: 229 * 109/l, leukocytes: 9 * 109/l, and hemoglobin level: 13.5 g/dl. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 30 serum creatinine was normal. Moreover, urinalysis did not show proteinuria.

9fd3861d-7ee3-4a12-9940-9e4999b3e5f9_figure1.gif

Figure 1. Superficial flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages in fundus examination.

9fd3861d-7ee3-4a12-9940-9e4999b3e5f9_figure2.gif

Figure 2. Fluorescein angiography showing vascular tortuosity, retinal hemorrhage, and cotton wool spots on the right eye.

9fd3861d-7ee3-4a12-9940-9e4999b3e5f9_figure3.gif

Figure 3. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showing cystoid macular oedema.

Autoantibodies tests revealed positive antinuclear antibodies (1: 800), anti-DNA antibodies, anti-nucleosomes antibodies, and slightly positive anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and rheumatoid factors. Antiphospholipid antibodies screening displayed high titer (> 40 UI) of IgG anticardiolipines and IgG antiβ2 glycoprotein antibodies. Total blood complement, C3, C4, protein S, protein C antithrombin III, and homocysteinemia levels were normal. The patient was also negative for factor V mutation. Echocardiographie excluded pericardial effusion. The diagnosis of SLE was established based on clinical and immunological criteria including malar rash, positive anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-DNA antibodies, and antiphospholipid antibodies.

The patient was started with hydroxychloroquine at 5.5 mg/kg/day and intra-vitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies regimen, in combination with aspirin (100 mg/day). The patient is still regularly taking his treatment without significant side effects. His vision has slowly improved under treatment. The patient remained under close observation. After two years of follow up, a refraction study showed a stable visual acuity.

Discussion

The atypical clinical presentation of SLE, in a male patient with a medical history of hypertension, and without any clinical objective criteria, led to the delay of the diagnosis of this autoimmune disease. The diagnosis was made after a second retinal vein occlusion. The patient had cutaneous involvement concomitantly with ocular complication. He had immunological criteria including positive antinuclear antibodies, anti-DNA antibodies and antiphospholipid antibodies which made the diagnosis clearer.

SLE is a chronic and autoimmune disease characterized by widespread clinical manifestations and immunological disorders. It occurs in both genders but it is much more common in females than males, with female:male sex-ratio of 8:1 to 15:13. Male patients have a higher prevalence of life threatening manifestations including lupus nephritis, central neurological system involvement and hemolytic anemia3,4. Regarding immunological features, anti-phospholipid antibodies were found to be more frequent in male SLE patients5. Thus, it would be expected that they present an increased risk of thromboembolic manifestations and antiphospholipid syndrome, which could worsen the course of the illness and increase the mortality rates. We report a case of SLE associated with antiphospholipid antibodies in a male patient. He presented a recurrent RVO as the first manifestation of the disease making this case unique.

A myriad of ocular manifestations can be seen in patients with SLE including keratoconjunctivitis, scleritis, episcleritis, retinopathy, choroidopathy, orbital and lachrymal system disorders6. The most common ocular manifestation is keratoconjunctivitis but the most visually-threatening is retinopathy. The prevalence of lupus retinopathy varies from 3% to 28%6,7. The most common manifestations of lupus retinopathy are cotton wool spots, retinal hemorrhage and optic disk oedema7. Vaso-occlusive retinopathies is a subset of retinal vasculopathy, including retinal artery or vein occlusions which are a rare but severe complication. The vascular retinopathy in SLE results from immune complex mediated vascular injuries and micro-vascular thrombosis8. Patients with retinal vessel occlusion seem to have a poorer visual prognosis.

Patients with SLE have a higher prevalence of developing RVO than the general population. A higher incidence of antiphospholipid antibodies in SLE patients with RVO has been reported. In our case, antiphospholipid antibodies were positive with a high titer7,9,10. Typically, RVO occurs in the first four years follow-up of SLE. Retinal vasculitis was scarcely reported as the initial manifestation of SLE1113. As far as we know, this would be the first case of a recurrent RVO as the primary presentation of SLE to be reported in literature.

Regarding the treatment of RVO in patients with SLE, anticoagulation and anti-platelet therapies have contributed to the stabilization of the retinal occlusion and the prevention of recurrent thrombosis either used separately or combined. The use of an immunosuppressant is still controversial due to the lack of evidence about its effects in improving the visual acuity and the retinal vascular occlusion recurring7. Intravitreally administrated anti-VEGF antibodies were introduced in the treatment regimen of RVO. Its main desired effect is to reduce the macular edema, which is the major cause of decreased visual acuity in patients with RVO14. Our patient received a combination of anti-platelet therapy and anti-VEGF antibodies. Clinical improvement was achieved under this treatment.

Conclusion

SLE in males may have an atypical presentation. This often leads to a diagnostic and therapeutic delay. In this paper, we have reported a unique case of SLE in a male patient presenting with a severe and sight- threatening ocular complication. The diagnosis was overlooked, as the patient did not have any clinical criteria of SLE initially. Our case report’s core contribution is to raise awareness about the possible atypical and severe presentation of SLE in men.

Consent

Written informed consent for publication of their clinical details and clinical images was obtained from the patient.

Data availability statement

All data underlying the results are available as part of the article and no additional source data are required.

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VERSION 4 PUBLISHED 05 Aug 2021
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how to cite this article
Ben Brahim M, Arfa S, Boubaker F et al. Case Report: Recurrent retinal vein occlusion as the first clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a male patient [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2021, 10:761 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.55189.2)
NOTE: If applicable, it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
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Open Peer Review

Current Reviewer Status: ?
Key to Reviewer Statuses VIEW
ApprovedThe paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approvedFundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
Version 2
VERSION 2
PUBLISHED 13 Oct 2021
Revised
Views
12
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Reviewer Report 06 Dec 2021
Bouomrani Salem, Sfax Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3029, Tunisia;  Department of Internal medicine, Military Hospital of Gabes, Gabes, 6000, Tunisia 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 12
  • The corrections requested for the "Discussion" section have not been made.
     
  • Similarly, the suggested bibliographical references, dealing with the subject of this paper and very useful for enriching the discussion, have not
... Continue reading
CITE
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Salem B. Reviewer Report For: Case Report: Recurrent retinal vein occlusion as the first clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a male patient [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2021, 10:761 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.78021.r96914)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 10 Jan 2022
    Marwa Ben Brahim, Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, 5100, Tunisia
    10 Jan 2022
    Author Response
    Dear Reviewer;
    The requested corrections for the discussion section are now made as you previously suggested.
    Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
  • Author Response 10 Jan 2022
    Marwa Ben Brahim, Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, 5100, Tunisia
    10 Jan 2022
    Author Response
    Dear Reviewer;
    The requested corrections for the discussion section are now made as you previously suggested.
    Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
Version 1
VERSION 1
PUBLISHED 05 Aug 2021
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Cite
Reviewer Report 23 Sep 2021
Matias Iglicki, Private Retina Practice, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 28
Marwa Ben Brahim et al. present an interesting study about Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) as the first clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a male patient. The study results certainly suggest to some degree that the RVO as the initial ... Continue reading
CITE
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Iglicki M. Reviewer Report For: Case Report: Recurrent retinal vein occlusion as the first clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a male patient [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2021, 10:761 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.58746.r91273)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 22 Jun 2022
    Marwa Ben Brahim, Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, 5100, Tunisia
    22 Jun 2022
    Author Response
    1. Keywords: they match the manuscript
       
    2. Since systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease with a periodic evolution it may require anti-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressant treatments
    ... Continue reading
COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
  • Author Response 22 Jun 2022
    Marwa Ben Brahim, Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, 5100, Tunisia
    22 Jun 2022
    Author Response
    1. Keywords: they match the manuscript
       
    2. Since systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease with a periodic evolution it may require anti-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressant treatments
    ... Continue reading
Views
38
Cite
Reviewer Report 17 Aug 2021
Bouomrani Salem, Sfax Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3029, Tunisia;  Department of Internal medicine, Military Hospital of Gabes, Gabes, 6000, Tunisia 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 38
The authors provide an interesting and original Case Report of retinal venous occlusion revealing systemic lupus erythematosus in a man. This observation is distinguished by the initial atypical clinical manifestation, male sex, and recurrence of retinal occlusion. This case is ... Continue reading
CITE
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Salem B. Reviewer Report For: Case Report: Recurrent retinal vein occlusion as the first clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a male patient [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2021, 10:761 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.58746.r91272)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 13 Oct 2021
    Marwa Ben Brahim, Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, 5100, Tunisia
    13 Oct 2021
    Author Response
    1. Done

    2. Done

    3. Done, the keyword "case report" was kept because it has to be mentioned.

    4. We, unfortunately, do not have any pictures of ... Continue reading
COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
  • Author Response 13 Oct 2021
    Marwa Ben Brahim, Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, 5100, Tunisia
    13 Oct 2021
    Author Response
    1. Done

    2. Done

    3. Done, the keyword "case report" was kept because it has to be mentioned.

    4. We, unfortunately, do not have any pictures of ... Continue reading

Comments on this article Comments (0)

Version 4
VERSION 4 PUBLISHED 05 Aug 2021
Comment
Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:
Approved - the paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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