Acute uveitis caused by abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism: a case report

BMC Ophthalmol. 2023 Jun 12;23(1):264. doi: 10.1186/s12886-023-02997-z.

Abstract

Purpose: This report describes a rare case of acute uveitis with severe anterior chamber inflammation due to abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism.

Case presentation: A 31-year-old male patient complained of redness in the right eye with decreased visual acuity for 3 days. Ocular examination revealed a milky white clouding of the right anterior chamber of the eye. Two clusters of yellowish-white exudates were visible on the surface of the iris in the upper nasal and temporal areas in addition to elevated intraocular pressure. He had a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Laboratory tests suggested hyperlipidemia and ketoacidosis. After admission, topical glucocorticoids, mydriasis, and intraocular pressure-lowering drugs combined with hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering therapy and fluid replacement therapy were given immediately. After 10 days of treatment, the uveitis and systemic condition of the right eye were effectively controlled and improved.

Conclusion: Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism leads to impairment of the blood-aqueous barrier, which causes a severe uveitis response in the anterior chamber. After the use of topical steroids and mydriatic eye drops combined with systemic hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering interventions, the condition was significantly relieved.

Keywords: Acute uveitis; Anterior chamber reaction; Blood-aqueous humor barrier; Diabetes mellitus; Hyperlipidemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anterior Chamber
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
  • Glucose
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Lipids
  • Male
  • Uveitis*

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Glucose
  • Lipids