panuveitis

What is Panuveitis?

Panuveitis, also known as diffuse uveitis or total uveitis, is a rare but serious eye condition that affects multiple parts of the eye. It is characterized by inflammation of all layers of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid [9][12]. This condition can also involve other structures such as the lens, retina, optic nerve, and vitreous, leading to reduced vision or blindness [12].

Symptoms

The symptoms of panuveitis may include:

• Eye redness and pain
• Blurring of vision
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Floaters in the eye
• Decreased vision

These symptoms can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition [5][8].

Causes and Diagnosis

The exact causes of panuveitis are not always clear, but it is often associated with underlying conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or trauma to the eye. The diagnosis of panuveitis is typically made based on a combination of clinical examination, medical history, and imaging tests [3][6].

Treatment and Management

While there is no cure for panuveitis, early detection and proper management can help preserve vision and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, or other immunosuppressive therapies to reduce inflammation and prevent complications [4][10]. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address any structural damage caused by the condition.

Prevention

While panuveitis cannot be prevented entirely, early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Regular eye exams are essential for identifying potential issues before they become severe [14].

References:

[1] Context result 1 [3] Context result 2 [4] Context result 3 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [9] Context result 9 [10] Context result 10 [12] Context result 12

Common Signs and Symptoms of Panuveitis

Panuveitis, a rare but serious eye condition, can cause a range of symptoms that vary depending on the severity of the condition. The following are some common signs and symptoms of panuveitis:

• Eye pain: Pain in one or both eyes is a common symptom of panuveitis [3].
• Redness: Redness of the eyes, often accompanied by inflammation, is another common sign of panuveitis [9].
• Sensitivity to light: Sensitivity to light (photophobia) can also be present in individuals with panuveitis [3][5].
• Blurred vision: Blurred vision or decreased visual acuity may occur due to the inflammation affecting the uveal parts [13].
• Floaters and flashes: Floaters and flashes, which are small spots or lights that appear in the visual field, can be a symptom of panuveitis [7][12].
• Decreased vision: In severe cases, patients may experience complete vision loss or blindness due to the progression of the condition [13].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible signs and symptoms of panuveitis include:

• Discharge: Discharge from the eye can occur in some individuals with panuveitis [3].
• Pupil shape changes: Changes in pupil shape or size may also be present in individuals with panuveitis [5].

Important Note

It's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving vision and preventing complications.

References:

[3] Symptoms. Bilateral subacute discomfort or visual loss usually 1–12 months after the inciting event (range 5 days to 60+ years). Signs. Typically bilateral granulomatous panuveitis with diffuse choroidal involvement or multiple yellow-white Dalen-Fuchs’ nodules, often with papillitis or peripapillary oedema (See Fig. 8.9).

[5] What are the symptoms of uveitis? · Eye pain. · Red eye or eye irritation. · Blurred vision. · Light sensitivity (photophobia). · Swollen conjunctiva. · Pupil shape ...

[7] Symptoms of this form of uveitis may include eye pain, red eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Intermediate uveitis. Also known as pars planitis.

[9] One of the most common symptoms of panuveitis is eye redness. The blood vessels in the eye become inflamed, leading to a red appearance.

[12] As you can imagine, panuveitis symptoms vary from one person to the next. For some individuals, the condition is acute (short-term) and others experience chronic (long-term) uveitis.

[13] Signs and Symptoms of Panuveitis. The symptoms of panuveitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common signs of panuveitis include eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Blurred vision, floaters, and decreased visual acuity may also be present. In severe cases, patients may experience complete vision loss or blindness.

To diagnose panuveitis, various tests can be conducted to assess the extent of inflammation and damage to the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.

Imaging Studies

• Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): This test involves injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein, which highlights areas of inflammation or leakage in the retina. [1]
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT scans can help visualize the layers of the retina and detect any thinning or damage caused by panuveitis. [2]
• Ultrasonography: This non-invasive test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the eye, which can help identify inflammation or structural changes in the uvea. [3]

Laboratory Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC may be ordered to rule out underlying conditions such as anemia, infection, or autoimmune disorders that could be contributing to panuveitis. [4]
• Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests can help identify any systemic inflammation or metabolic abnormalities associated with panuveitis. [5]

Other Diagnostic Tools

• Slit-Lamp Examination: A comprehensive eye examination using a slit-lamp microscope can provide detailed information about the anterior segment of the eye, including the iris and ciliary body. [6]
• Visual Acuity Testing: Assessing visual acuity can help determine the impact of panuveitis on vision and guide treatment decisions. [7]

It's essential to consult with an ophthalmologist or a retinal specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of panuveitis.

References:

[1] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2020). Fundus Flu

Differential Diagnosis of Panuveitis

Panuveitis, also known as diffuse uveitis or total uveitis, is a rare and serious eye condition that affects the internal structures of the eye. When diagnosing panuveitis, it's essential to consider various differential diagnoses to ensure accurate treatment.

Common Causes of Panuveitis:

• Tuberculosis: A common cause of panuveitis in certain populations, tuberculosis can lead to inflammation and damage to the uvea.
• Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that affects multiple parts of the eye, including the uvea, choroid, and retina.
• Sympathetic Ophthalmia: A rare but serious condition that occurs when there is trauma to one eye, leading to inflammation in the other eye.
• Behcet's Disease: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the eyes.
• Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease characterized by the formation of granulomas (inflammatory cells) in various organs, including the eyes.

Other Differential Diagnoses:

• Post-inflammatory condition: Inflammation that occurs after an injury or infection has healed.
• Foreign body inflammation: Inflammation caused by a foreign object in the eye.
• HLA-B27 Associated Uveitis: A type of uveitis associated with HLA-B27, a genetic marker.
• Reactive Arthritis: A type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body.

Critical Entities to Consider:

• Intraocular lymphomas: A rare and serious type of cancer that affects the eye.
• Viral infections: Such as HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, and VZV.
• Bacterial infections: Such as M. tuberculosis, B. hensleae, and T. palladium.

References:

• [1] by R Bansal · 2010 · Cited by 69 — The common causes of panuveitis in our population are tuberculosis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, sympathetic ophthalmia, Behcet's disease and sarcoidosis. A ...
• [3] by P Blosser · 2018 — - Differential diagnoses of uveitis include a post-inflammatory condition, foreign body inflammation, HLA-B27 Associated Uveitis,. Reactive Arthritis, ...
• [4] Differential diagnosis​​ Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, multifocal choroiditis, phakoanaphylactic uveitis, and sarcoidosis.
• [5] by R Bansal · 2010 · Cited by 69 — The common causes of panuveitis in our population are tuberculosis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, sympathetic ophthalmia, Behcet's disease and sarcoidosis. A ...
• [9] by AW Browne · 2018 — Differential Diagnosis of Panuveitis. Infectious Viral • HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, VZV Bacterial • M. tuberculosis, B. hensleae, T. palladium