Exudative retinal detachment in relapsing polychondritis - Case report andliterature review

Objective: To report the atypical ocular symptoms (arterialized conjunctiva l detachment) that can be the presentating manifestations of relapsing poly chondritis, Design: Observational case report and literature review. Methods: A complete ocular and systemic evaluation was performed on a patie nt with relapsing polychondritis and exudative retinal detachment, Main Outcome Measures: Retinal, choroidal, and scleral findings. Results: A 73-year-old man with relapsing polychondritis presented with a u nilateral large bullous exudative retinal detachment and marked choroidal a nd scleral thickening bilaterally. Conclusions: Ophthalmologists should consider relapsing polychondritis in t he differential diagnosis of exudative retinal detachment, A combination of echographic and laboratory findings can assist in the accurate diagnosis o f this rare condition. Ophthalmology 2001;108:1156-1159 (C) 2001 by the Ame rican Academy of Ophthalmology.