Pulsed intravenous cyclophosphamide for SLE retinal vasculitis

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus vaso-occlusive retinopathy with severe visual loss treated with intravenous pulsed cyclophosphamide. METHODS: Retrospective interventional case report. RESULTS: A 20-year-old Cambodian woman with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus presented with acute visual loss. Fluorescein fundus angiography demonstrated occlusive retinal vasculitis. Treatment with pulsed intravenous cyclophosphamide, intravenous methylprednisolone, and anticoagulation resulted in recovery of vision from count fingers to 6/6 in both eyes. CONCLUSION: Early aggressive immunosuppression and anticoagulation for systemic lupus erythematosus retinal vasculitis can be beneficial in preventing disease progression and restoring vision. Further studies are needed to compare dosage regimens.