A case of posterior scleritis: differential diagnosis of ocular pain

• DOI: 10.1007/s10194-007-0372-0
• Publication Date: 2007-05-13T08:49:34Z
• Authors: Ferdinando Maggioni; Silvia Ruffatti; Federica Viaro; Federico Mainardi; Carlo Lisotto; Giorgio Zanchin
• Keywords: Adult; Eye Diseases; Brief Report; Clinical Neurology; Pain; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; 3. Good health; Diagnosis, Differential; 03 medical and health sciences; Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Female; Scleritis

Posterior scleritis is a rare cause of ocular pain, due to scleral inflammation, presenting with periocular pain, pain on movement and decreased vision. Although anterior scleritis may be associated with this condition, ocular signs may be absent. We report a case of posterior scleritis, presenting with right-sided ocular and periocular pain, exacerbated by ocular movements, irradiating to the ipsilateral temple and zygoma, not associated with visual disturbances at onset. Diagnosis was made with ultrasonography and confirmed by brain and orbital MRI. Differential diagnosis of facial pain, in particular, affecting the periorbital region, is discussed. In the presence of ocular pain, even in the absence of ocular signs, an ophthalmologic consultation should be performed.