Differential diagnosis of posterior scleritis in a referral center in Tunisia, North Africa
Purpose
To analyze the patterns of posterior scleritis in a referral center in Tunisia
Methods
The charts of 32patients(35eyes)diagnosed with posterior scleritis were retrospectively reviewed
Results
12 patients(37.5%)were male and 20patients(62.5%)were female.Mean age was 46.9+/-15.6years.Clinical findings at presentation included optic disc swelling in 10 eyes (28.6%),retinal striae in 18eyes(51.4%),serous retinal detachment SRD in 12eyes(34.3%),and deep yellowish lesions in 7eyes (20%).B-mode ultrasonography showed highly reflective sclero-choroidal thickening in all eyes.Fluorescein angiography showed delayed choroidal perfusion (9eyes, 25.7%), pin-points (10eyes, 28.6%), dye pooling (10eyes, 28.6%), and optic disc hyperfluorescence(22 eyes,62.85%).Optical coherence tomography showed SRD(14 eyes, 40%)and/or retinal pigment epithelial folds(17eyes,48.6%).Work-up showed that posterior scleritis was associated with systemic disease in 8 patients (25%)(rheumatoid arthritis 3patients, sarcoidosis 1 patient,ankylosing spondylitis 1patient and unspecified inflammatory arthritis 3 patients)and with tuberculosis in 3 patients(9.4%).A diagnosis of idiopathic posterior scleritis was made in 21patients(65.6%).The first line therapy included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 30 patients(93.75%) and oral corticosteroids in 2 patients(6.25%).Immunosuppressive drugs were required for 2 patients(6.25%).Antitubercular therapy associated with oral corticosteroids were used in the 3 patients(6.37%)
Conclusion
Multimodal imaging provides useful clues for diagnosis of posterior scleritis.A thorough work-up to exclude an underlying infectious or systemic disease is essential for adequate treatment to improve patient outcomes
Conflict of interest
No
Authors 1
Last name
KSIAA
Initials of first name(s)
I
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital
City
Monastir
Country
Tunisia
Authors 2
Last name
JOUINI
Initials of first name(s)
A
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital
City
Monastir
Country
Tunisia
Authors 3
Last name
BEN DHIA
Initials of first name(s)
R
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital
City
Monastir
Country
Tunisia
Authors 4
Last name
MARRAKCHI
Initials of first name(s)
W
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital
City
Monastir
Country
Tunisia
Authors 5
Last name
KHOCHTALI
Initials of first name(s)
S
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital
City
Monastir
Country
Tunisia
Authors 6
Last name
KHAIRALLAH
Initials of first name(s)
M
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital
City
Monastir
Country
Tunisia
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more