Retinal vasculitis

Retinal vasculitis is a sight-threatening inflammatory or infectious condition, requiring an accurate clinical examination followed by an extensive but oriented work-up and an efficient therapy. The place of retinal vasculitis in the IUSG or SUN classifications remain indistinct as it may be associated to an intermediate, posterior or panuveitis. It is important to determine the level of vitreous haze and the type of involved vessel. Complications such as macular edema, retinal ischemia and neovessels must be excluded promptly. The main associated conditions are sarcoidosis, Behçet's disease, birdshot choroidopathy, SLE, IRVAN, Susac syndrome, tuberculosis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, acute retinal necrosis and CMV retinitis. Imaging techniques such as fluorescein and ICG angiography together with OCT are irreplaceable to determine the basic characteristics of the disease and potential complications. Treatment must be adapted to the severity of the disease and relies on systemic or local corticosteroids associated with conventional immunosuppressors or biologic agents. In patients with an associated infection, specific antibiotics or antivirals are necessary. Laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy may be selectively performed.