This patient was worked up systemically to confirm or eliminate the diagnosis of Lupus that she had reported early in the exam. The patient was referred for appropriate blood testing and biopsy. Lupus was proven correct, and led to the diagnosis of Vasculitis secondary to Systemic Lupus Erythematosis. Lupus generally does not cause a vasculitis, preferring to show up as anterior uveitis in the few patients who do present with ocular manifestations. Lupus, however, is a known cause for vasculitis, specifically arteriolar occlusion, which in severe cases can cause capillary occlusion and and even proliferative retinopathy.

This patient was treated systemically for her Lupus (Plaquenil and Prednisone), and the vasculitis resolved over an eight week period.