Oftalmia simpática: relato de um caso deste grave tipo de uveíte

Abstract

Sympathetic ophthalmia or sympathetic uveitis is an inflammatory condition seen after severe perforating or penetrating ocular injury. This condition is characterized by a diffuse bilateral granulomatous uveitis which can occur anywhere from several weeks to several years following injury of one of the eyes. Removal of a severely traumatized eye prior to development of this inflammation will protect the other eye from sympathetic ophthalmia. This condition is felt to be an auto-immune reaction of the delayed hypersensitivity type, possibly to uveal or retinal antigens. Clinically, this condition is characterized by a granulomatous inflammation with large "mutton-fat" keratic precipitates and a diffuse uveitis. The prognostic is reserved and depends on the time of diagnostic and treatment. The authors of this article intend to present and discuss a clinical case of a pacient who suffered an ocular trauma and developed sympathetic ophthalmia.