Bilateral frosted branch angiitis as the presenting sign of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Abstract

Background“Frosted branch retinal angiitis” is an encompassing term for a rare, typically bilateral diffuse retinal periphlebitis that may occur in a number of varying conditions. To our knowledge, we report the first case of frosted branch angiitis as the presenting sign of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in a 28-year-old woman.FindingsThis study is a retrospective case report and literature review. Serial fundus photos, fluorescein angiogram, and ocular coherence tomography taken were before and after treatment, showing resolution of diffuse retinal perivascular sheathing and macular edema along with marked improvement in visual acuity 4 months after the treatment with corticosteroids.ConclusionsFrosted branch angiitis can be seen in association with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Prompt recognition and treatment with corticosteroids may result in good visual prognosis, and long-term immunosuppression and additional anticoagulation may be beneficial to prevent recurrence.

Ophthalmologic manifestations in primary antiphospholipid syndrome patients: A cross-sectional analysis of a primary antiphospholipid syndrome cohort (APS-Rio) and systematic review of the literature

“…22,26,27,32 APS has also been associated with central retinal vein occlusion, 7,23,27,32–46 branch retinal vein occlusion,, 24,25,34,37,41,45,47–51 central retinal artery occlusion and branch retinal artery occlusion, 37,43,52–58 or the coexistence of both arterial and venous bed thromboses in the same patient. 32,36,59–64 Venous stasis retinopathy, 65,66 vitreous 67,68 and intraretinal hemorrhages, 67 retinal vasculitis, 69,70 cotton wool spots, 67,71 neovascularization, 72 diffuse retinal periphlebitis, 73 choroidal infarction, 74 and unexplained choroidal embolization 75 were already described as case reports.…”

Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Hidden Predisposing Factor for Retinal Vein Occlusion and Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Formation Among Young Population

“…16 Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, retrobulbar neuritis, and frosted branch angitis are also reported in primary APS. [18][19][20] Human retina receives blood supply by two main circulations, retinal and choroidal blood vessels. 21 Systemic diseases affecting the vascular system can affect the eye by causing damage to retinal and/or choroidal blood supply.…”

Frosted branch angiitis with penetrating ocular trauma and retained intraocular foreign body

“…FBA has also been variously reported in association with viral retinitis, toxoplasmosis, sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, Behçet's disease, antiphospholipid antibody disease, lymphomas, leukemias, Crohn's disease, and endophthalmitis. [ 1 6 7 8 ] FBA-like picture with retinal vasculitis has been noted following blunt ocular trauma. [ 2 3 ] Kang et al .…”