Bj. Wisotsky et al., ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA AS AN INITIAL PRESENTATION OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS, Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.), 105(7), 1998, pp. 1170-1172
Purpose: To study a patient with bilateral uveal effusions and seconda
ry glaucoma as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosu
s. Design: A case report. Methods: A case report. The patient presente
d with bilateral uveal effusions and angle-closure glaucoma. A detaile
d ocular examination with ultrasonography and a comprehensive medical
evaluation with laboratory testing were performed.Results: The ocular
examination revealed bilateral uveal effusions with angle-closure and
elevated intraocular pressures. A systemic evaluation revealed bilater
al pleural effusions and laboratory values consistent with systemic lu
pus erythematosus, After medical and laser therapy failed to lower the
intraocular pressure, partial thickness sclerectomies, linear scleros
tomies, and choroidal drainage were successful in controlling the glau
coma. Conclusions: Uveal effusion with secondary glaucoma can be a pre
senting sign for systemic lupus erythematosus, If antecedent ocular ab
normalities are not present, a systemic evaluation is warranted in ass
essing a patient with uveal effusions and secondary angle-closure glau
coma. Partial-thickness sclerectomies, linear sclerostomies, and choro
idal drainage may be effective in lowering intraocular pressure.