Acute red eye and back pain as a presentation for systemic illness: case report
2006
Acute Red Eye and Back Pain as Signs of Serious Illness
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Smith Jonathan M, Griffiths Philip G, Fraser Scott G
Primary Institution: Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, UK
Hypothesis
Can acute red eye combined with systemic symptoms indicate serious underlying pathology?
Conclusion
Acute red eye with systemic symptoms requires immediate investigation to identify potential serious conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a five-day history of decreased visual acuity and floaters.
- Endogenous endophthalmitis was diagnosed after ocular ultrasound and vitreal biopsy.
- Group B Streptococcus was identified as the causative organism.
- The combination of endophthalmitis and discitis in this case is unusual.
- Prompt identification and treatment can preserve vision in infected eyes.
Takeaway
If someone has a red eye and back pain, it could mean something serious is wrong, and doctors need to check it out quickly.
Methodology
The case involved a 73-year-old woman diagnosed with endogenous endophthalmitis and thoracic discitis after presenting with red eye and back pain.
Limitations
The case is a single report and may not represent broader trends.
Participant Demographics
73-year-old female patient.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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