Silicone oil tamponade induced vasculitis- a rare manifestation of toxic posterior segment syndrome

Abstract

Aim

To report silicone oil tamponade induced vasculitis in the early post operative period - a rare manifestation of ‘Toxic Posterior Segment Syndrome’ after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Case description

A 50-year-old gentleman presented with vasculitis after a pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade on the first post-operative day. He was started on oral steroids (1 mg/ kg) tapered sequentially every week. All signs of vasculitis resolved over a period of one month after which the silicone oil was removed. The patient maintained a visual acuity of 20/90 even after 3 months. There was no recurrence of vasculitis observed thereafter.

Conclusion

Silicone oil induced vasculitis is a rarely described entity, especially as a manifestation of toxic posterior segment syndrome. This differential must be kept in mind even on the first post-operative day in cases where silicone oil has been used for tamponade.