Sudden loss of vision caused by a vasculitic ophthalmic artery occlusion in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn's disease

Abstract

The likely aetiology is an obliterative vasculitis caused by granulomas in the blood vessel wall. Crohn's disease has also been reported in association with large vessel arteritis and axillary artery occlusion. Anti-TNFα agents have shown effectiveness in the treatment of spondyloarthropathies and Crohn's disease; amelioration of the extra-intestinal manifestations of the disease is variable. This case highlights the need to consider vasculitic causes of ocular ischaemia in patients with seronegative arthropathies who are HLA-B27 positive and should alert ophthalmologists that further investigation is necessary.