Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Combined with Immunosuppression for Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To describe the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in conjunction with immunosuppression for acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Two known cases of SLE presented to us with blurred vision and paracentral scotomas due to AMN. Both cases reported worsening of their conditions despite the initiation of high-dose steroid therapy. HBOT was added on as a treatment modality to address vaso-occlusive ischemic injury.

Results

Both patients underwent a total of twelve cycles of HBOT. Functional and anatomical improvements were noted immediately after the initiation of therapy and were maintained over more than one year of follow-up. No significant retinal thinning was noted on optical coherence tomography on disease resolution, as has been noted previously. Visual field scotoma showed a complete resolution.

Conclusion

Our cases suggest that HBOT may have a role in aiding functional and anatomical recovery in AMN associated with SLE.

KEYWORDS:

• Acute macular neuroretinopathy
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Immunosuppression
• Optical coherence tomography
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Visual fields

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.