Question

A patient presents with a history of penetrating injury to the eye. A diagnosis of sympathetic ophthalmitis was confirmed. Which of the following will be seen?

• A. Acute anterior uveitis
• B. Pars planitis
• C. Panuveitis
• D. Chronic anterior uveitis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare, bilateral, granulomatous uveitis that occurs following a penetrating injury to one eye, known as the exciting eye. The condition typically arises weeks to months after the initial trauma. The key feature of sympathetic ophthalmia is that it affects both eyes, with the uninvolved eye, the sympathizing eye, showing signs of inflammation even though it was not injured.

The primary characteristic finding in sympathetic ophthalmia is panuveitis, which is inflammation involving all parts of the uvea, including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.

Understanding the specific terms:

• Acute anterior uveitis: Inflammation primarily in the front portion of the uvea (iris and ciliary body).
• Pars planitis: Intermediate uveitis often involving the pars plana region of the eye.
• Chronic anterior uveitis: Persistent inflammation of the anterior segment of the eye.
• Panuveitis: Inflammation of all major structures of the eye (anterior, intermediate, and posterior uvea).

In the context of sympathetic ophthalmia, panuveitis is the most likely to be observed due to its comprehensive involvement of the uveal tract following injury.

Thus, the correct answer is:

Panuveitis