BACKGROUND: Optic neuropathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In a previous series most patients with optic neuropathy in association with SLE had a final visual acuity of 20/200 or less despite corticosteroid therapy. METHODS: Three patients (five affected eyes) with severe retrobulbar optic neuropathy in association with SLE were treated promptly with intravenous cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids. RESULTS: All patients recovered excellent visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Although optic neuropathy in association with SLE might have several different aetiologies, intravenous cyclophosphamide should be strongly considered as a therapeutic alternative.
BACKGROUND:Optic neuropathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In a previous series most patients with optic neuropathy in association with SLE had a final visual acuity of 20/200 or less despite corticosteroid therapy. METHODS: Three patients (five affected eyes) with severe retrobulbar optic neuropathy in association with SLE were treated promptly with intravenous cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids. RESULTS: All patients recovered excellent visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Although optic neuropathy in association with SLE might have several different aetiologies, intravenous cyclophosphamide should be strongly considered as a therapeutic alternative.
Authors: E M Tan; A S Cohen; J F Fries; A T Masi; D J McShane; N F Rothfield; J G Schaller; N Talal; R J Winchester Journal: Arthritis Rheum Date: 1982-11
Authors: H A Austin; J H Klippel; J E Balow; N G le Riche; A D Steinberg; P H Plotz; J L Decker Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 1986-03-06 Impact factor: 91.245