Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the frequency, clinical findings and outcomes of occlusive retinal vasculitis in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: A retrospective case series. Results: During the period between January 2000 and December 2021, we identified 24 patients who were diagnosed to have uveitis associated with MS. Among them, four (16.6%) patients presented with bilateral occlusive retinal vasculitis who were diagnosed to have MS prior to presentation. All patients were treated successfully with a combination of systemic corticosteroids combined with mycophenolate mofetil. In addition, scatter laser photocoagulation was applied to the ischemic retina in all eyes. Conclusions: Early recognition and prompt treatment with systemic immunosuppressive agents and scatter laser photocoagulation prevent complications and improve outcomes in MS patients with occlusive retinal vasculitis.