Open AccessPainless Scleritis Associated with Microscopic Polyarteritis: “Red Eye” as a Clue to Diagnose Systemic Diseases
Author(s) -
Sasaki Yosuke,
Rikitake Takayuki,
Shindo Emiko,
Okano Tomoko,
Matsumoto Tadashi,
Fujio Natsuki,
Muraoka Sei,
Kawai Shinichi,
Urita Yoshihisa
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of general and family medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2189-7948
DOI - 10.14442/jgfm.17.4_323
Subject(s) - medicine , scleritis , systemic vasculitis , polyarteritis nodosa , red eye , vasculitis , dermatology , systemic disease , pathology , ophthalmology , disease , uveitis
“Red eye” is the most common ocular manifestation seen by primary care physicians. Most cases are connected with benign diseases, yet some may require emergent ophthalmologic intervention or herald a life‐threatening systemic disorder. Scleritis usually manifests as severe and painful red eye and is frequently associated with systemic vasculitis. Herein, we report the case of an 81‐year‐old man with microscopic polyarteritis presenting with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and bilateral painless scleritis. Our experience may remind clinicians of the importance of “red eye” as a clue in the early diagnosis of systemic vasculitis, even in the absence of pain.