Painless Scleritis Associated with Microscopic Polyarteritis: “Red Eye” as a Clue to Diagnose Systemic Diseases

Abstract

“Red eye” is the most common ocular manifestation seen by primary care physicians. Most cases are connected with benign diseases, yet some may require emergent ophthalmologic intervention or herald a life-threatening systemic disorder. Scleritis usually manifests as severe and painful red eye and is frequently associated with systemic vasculitis. Herein, we report the case of an 81-year-old man with microscopic polyarteritis presenting with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and bilateral painless scleritis. Our experience may remind clinicians of the importance of “red eye” as a clue in the early diagnosis of systemic vasculitis, even in the absence of pain.