Nonsimultaneous bilateral nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachments presenting as a complication of panuveitis in the setting of idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome

Background

Idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome (IOIS), also known as orbital pseudotumor, consists of a spectrum of idiopathic, nonneoplastic, noninfectious, space-occupying lesions, without identifiable local or systemic cause. This case demonstrates a unique presentation of IOIS associated with panuveitis and nonsimultaneous bilateral serous nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachments (NRRD).

Methods

A 38-year-old man initially presented with a unilateral uveitis that progressed quite rapidly to a bilateral presentation. A diagnosis of IOIS was made after comprehensive blood work and imaging studies.

Results

The patient had nonsimultaneous bilateral serous NRRD in the setting of panuveitis and IOIS. Retinal detachment is a rare complication of IOIS that has been reported only twice before. There are no prior reports in the literature of this unique triad of NRRD, panuveitis, and IOIS. The patient responded promptly to aggressive treatment with oral corticosteroids.

Conclusions

IOIS should be considered in the evaluation and management of patients with NRRD and panuveitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of IOIS with corticosteroids is important to yield good clinical response and significant visual recovery, as demonstrated by this case.