Hypoperfusive and hypertensive ocular manifestations in Takayasu arteritis

Abstract

Jayanthi Peter1, Sarada David1, George Joseph2, Saban Horo1, Debashish Danda31Department of Ophthalmology, Schell Eye Hospital, Vellore, India; 2Department of Cardiology, Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, India; 3Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, IndiaAbstract: Takayasu arteritis is a relatively rare inflammatory arteritis that can be associated with ocular manifestations. We report four patients with proven Takayasu arteritis; two patients manifested hypoperfusive ocular manifestations of ocular ischemic syndrome and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy whilst two others had exudative retinal detachment and papilledema as a result of severe hypertension. The ischemic ocular manifestations were a result of hypoperfusion of the ocular structures due to occlusive arteritis of the aortic arch and its branches. The exudative retinal detachment and papilledema were manifestations of severe hypertension due to renal arterial involvement. Patients with Takayasu arteritis should be referred for ophthalmic assessment and screening for hypoperfusive and hypertensive manifestations.Keywords: Takayasu, retinopathy, ocular ischemic syndrome, India