Nodular Posterior Scleritis: A Clinical Case Report

Abstract

: Background : Scleritis is a rare inflammation of the outer coat of the eye, which is often characterized by pain and redness and may be associated with visual loss and blindness. Posterior scleritis may lead to the formation of a choroidal mass which is often confused with choroidal tumors. A delayed and an inaccurate diagnosis may lead to devastating outcomes, that including unnecessary enucleation. Therefore, a prudent clinical judgement is necessary. Objective : To report clinical characteristics of an outstanding posterior scleritis which required a multidisciplinary collaboration for its management. Method : A young man presented with redness and diminished vision in his right eye for 5 days. A detailed ophthalmological examination was completed, which suggested a final diagnosis of posterior nodular scleritis that was presumed to occur secondary to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated granulomatosis with polyangiitis. A multimodal imaging workup suggested posterior nodular scleritis and laboratory investigation confirmed positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (C-ANCAs). All other infectious and immunological tests came negative. The patient was subsequently treated with systemic steroids and immunomodulatory therapy, with an excellent visual recovery. Best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/200 at presentation to 20/25 at eight months after the therapy, and there was no evidence of disease recurrence. Conclusion : Nodular posterior scleritis is an important but benign disease that may mimic an intraocular tumor. Multimodal imaging studies and detailed laboratory investigations are essential for its correct diagnosis and appropriate management.