Ocular manifestations of Wegener’s granulomatosis

Abstract

Wegener’s granulomatosis is a multisystem granulomatous inflammatory disorder that is presumed to be of autoimmune origin and has a predilection for the upper and lower respiratory tracts, in addition to the kidneys. The associated vasculitis affects mainly small-caliber arterial vessels, although vessels of other calibers may also be involved. Ophthalmic complications result from a variety of pathologies, including focal vasculitis, granulomatous inflammation, vascular thrombosis, hemorrhage and ischemia. Ocular involvement is varied and may range from mild episcleritis to more serious pathology, the most commonly reported eye findings being scleritis and orbital involvement. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of Wegener’s granulomatosis, focusing on the ophthalmic manifestations and the approach to patients presenting with ocular signs and symptoms.

Keywords::

• antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
• orbital
• scleritis
• vasculitis
• Wegener