The Eyes Have It

Retinal Vasculitis

Retinal vasculitis

The white cuff that looks like frosting along the vessels is a perivenous lymphocytic infiltration. Sometimes called "sheathing," it betokens a vasculitis.

Retinal vasculitis occurs in sarcoidosis, Behçet's Disease, multiple sclerosis, and in idiopathic conditions. But contrary to popular opinion, it is extremely rare in connective tissue disorders such as lupus. Instead, connective tissue diseases produce multiple bland occlusions appearing as cotton wool spots, branch retinal artery occlusions, and obliterative vasculopathy.

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Originally created by Jonathan Trobe, M.D., University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center
© 2009 The Regents of the University of Michigan

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