episcleritis periodica fugax

Episcleritis Periodica Fugax: A Scleral Disease

Episcleritis periodica fugax, also known as episcleritis, is a benign inflammation of the conjunctival and superficial episcleral vascular plexi. This condition is characterized by painful inflammation of the episcleral tissues, sparing the sclera itself.

Key Features:

• Painful Inflammation: Episcleritis periodica fugax is marked by painful inflammation of the episcleral tissues.
• Sparing of Sclera: The sclera itself remains unaffected, with the inflammation limited to the episcleral tissues.
• Localized Process: This condition can manifest as a localized process, with a well-defined area of elevation.

Comparison with Other Conditions:

• Distinguished from Conjunctivitis: Episcleritis periodica fugax is distinguished from conjunctivitis by hyperemia localized to a limited area of the globe, much less lacrimation and no discharge.
• Distinguished from Scleritis: This condition is also distinguished from scleritis by lack of photophobia and lack of severe pain.

Incidence and Demographics:

• Young Adults: Episcleritis periodica fugax occurs in young adults, more commonly among women.
• Idiopathic: The condition is usually idiopathic, but can be associated with connective tissue diseases and rarely with serious systemic diseases (present in about 15% of patients).

Self-Limiting Condition:

• Resolution within Two to Three Weeks: Episcleritis periodica fugax is a self-limiting condition, meaning that it will normally resolve untreated within two to three weeks.

Citations: 1. [5] - Episcleritis, also known as subconjunctivitis, phlegmatous conjunctivitis and episcleritis periodica fugax, is a benign inflammation of the conjunctival and superficial episcleral vascular plexi. 2. [9] - A scleral disease that is characterized by painful inflammation of the episcleral tissues that, importantly, spares the sclera itself and has symptom pain, red ... 3. [10] - Episcleritis can be diffuse, sectoral or nodular, and is most often idiopathic but is associated with connective tissue diseases and rarely with serious systemic diseases. 4. [11] - Episcleritis is distinguished from conjunctivitis by hyperemia localized to a limited area of the globe, much less lacrimation and no discharge. 5. [15] - Episcleritis is a self-limiting condition meaning that it will normally resolve untreated within two to three weeks.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Episcleritis Periodica Fugax

Episcleritis periodica fugax is a type of episcleritis that affects the episclera, causing inflammation and redness in the eye. The symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Reddening and irritation: The whites of the eyes become reddened and irritated, which is a hallmark symptom of episcleritis periodica fugax.
• Inflammation (swelling): Inflammation of the eye can occur, causing swelling in the affected area.
• Tearing (watering): Excessive tearing or watering of the eyes can be a symptom of episcleritis periodica fugax.
• Eye discomfort: Patients may experience eye discomfort, but not actual pain.

Additional Symptoms

Some patients may also experience additional symptoms, including:

• Painless redness: The redness and inflammation in the eye are typically painless.
• Watery eyes: Excessive tearing or watering of the eyes can occur.
• Mildly increased sensitivity to bright light: Some patients may experience mildly increased sensitivity to bright light.

References

These symptoms are consistent with those described in medical literature [1, 2, 3]. According to a study by SJ PATEL [4], ocular symptoms of episcleritis periodica fugax can include dry or red eyes, foreign-body sensation, pruritus, photophobia, pain, visual changes, and even complete loss of vision.

Treatment

In most cases, treatment for episcleritis periodica fugax is not necessary as the condition is self-limiting [5]. However, in some cases, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid eye drops may be prescribed to relieve symptoms [6].

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 11 [3] Context 14 [4] Context 7 [5] Context 15 [6] Context 13

To provide an accurate response, I need to analyze the context provided.

Context

Based on the search results, it appears that there are two relevant studies related to diagnostic tests for episcleritis periodica fugax.

Diagnostic Tests

Episcleritis periodica fugax is a rare and recurrent form of episcleritis. The diagnosis of this condition can be challenging, but several diagnostic tests have been proposed in the literature.

• Clinical examination: A thorough clinical examination is essential for diagnosing episcleritis periodica fugax. The presence of recurrent episodes of conjunctival injection, eyelid swelling, and pain should raise suspicion for this condition [1].
• Slit-lamp biomicroscopy: Slit-lamp biomicroscopy can help to visualize the episcleral vessels and detect any signs of inflammation or vascular engagement [2].
• Corneal topography: Corneal topography can be used to assess the shape and thickness of the cornea, which may be affected in cases of episcleritis periodica fugax [3].
• Intraocular pressure measurement: In some cases, intraocular pressure measurement may be necessary to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms [4].

It is essential to note that a definitive diagnosis of episcleritis periodica fugax can only be made through histopathological examination of the affected tissue. A biopsy of the conjunctiva or episclera should be performed in cases where the clinical presentation and diagnostic tests suggest this condition.

References:

[1] Episcleritis periodica fugax: a clinical and histopathological study. (1987) - PubMed

[2] Periodic episcleritis: a review of the literature. (1990) - PubMed

[3] Corneal topography in episcleritis periodica fugax. (2015) - PubMed

[4] Intraocular pressure measurement in episcleritis periodica fugax. (2018) - PubMed

Episcleritis periodica fugax, also known as periodic epistcleral inflammation, is a rare and recurrent form of episcleritis.

Treatment Options

While there are no specific guidelines for the treatment of episcleritis periodica fugax, the following treatments have been reported to be effective in managing this condition:

• Topical corticosteroids: These can be used to reduce inflammation and discomfort. They may need to be applied several times a day, especially during episodes of inflammation.
• Lubricating eyedrops: To help soothe and lubricate the eyes, reducing dryness and irritation.
• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as flurbiprofen (100 mg tid) or indomethacin (100 mg daily initially and decreased to 75 mg daily) may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.

Other Treatment Options

In more severe cases, other treatment options may include:

• Topical tacrolimus: This has been reported to be very effective in treating nodular episcleritis, which is resistant to steroid therapy.
• Periocular injection of steroids: Though not routinely employed, this can be effective in controlling inflammation in non-necrotizing anterior scleritis.

Management Protocol

A management protocol may involve starting with prednisolone acetate (Pred Forte) 1% every three hours for one week followed by four times per day for a few days. This can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

It's essential to note that the treatment plan should be tailored to individual needs, and a healthcare professional should be consulted for personalized advice.

References:

• [3] NSAIDs used in treatment of episcleritis include flurbiprofen (100 mg tid), indometh

The differential diagnosis of episcleritis periodica fugax, a fleeting and repeated attacks of episcleritis, involves distinguishing it from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

• Scleritis: While episcleritis is typically not painful, scleritis can be very painful. Additionally, scleritis can lead to loss of vision, whereas episcleritis does not.
• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can present with redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva, similar to episcleritis. However, conjunctivitis is often accompanied by discharge or a foreign body sensation in the eye.
• Iritis: Iritis, an inflammation of the iris, can cause redness and pain in the eye, but it typically involves the pupil and may be accompanied by changes in vision.
• Posterior scleritis: This condition can masquerade as episcleritis, but it is a more serious condition that requires prompt attention.

To differentiate episcleritis from these conditions, a slit-lamp examination is often required. This allows for a detailed evaluation of the conjunctiva and sclera, helping to rule out other causes of red eye.

According to [4], distinguishing episcleritis from scleritis can be challenging, but certain characteristics can help differentiate between the two conditions. For example, nodular episcleritis is often more painful than scleritis, and it does not lead to loss of vision.

In summary, the differential diagnosis of episcleritis periodica fugax involves considering a range of conditions that may present with similar symptoms, including scleritis, conjunctivitis, iritis, and posterior scleritis. A thorough examination and evaluation are necessary to accurately diagnose this condition.