Abstract

Optic neuropathy is a very rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), more so in pediatric patients. Patho-mechanism and clinical characteristics of SLE optic neuropathy is different from more common idiopathic demyelinating optic neuritis. Visual recovery is mostly poor in SLE optic neuropathy.
We present a case of 10 year old girl child with SLE nephritis and pancreatitis with coincidental diagnosis of bilateral optic neuropathy with good vision in both the eyes. She had no symptoms of optic neuropathy per se, but she was referred to ophthalmology department for routine eye check-up to exclude any drug toxicity for hydroxychloroquine(HCQ). Bilaterality, Young age, Concurrent treatment with cyclophosphamide and IVMP for lupus nephritis and pancreatitis resulted in no visual complaints in our patient but that does not rule out possibility of recurrence and blinding consequences due to missed diagnosis. Our patient was Antiphospholipid antibody (APLA) negative.