Isolated necrotizing scleritis revealing silent pulmonary granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A case report of rare diagnostic clue.
Awadh Nabaa Ihsan NI, Gorial Faiq I FI, Al-Obaidi Ahmed Dheyaa AD, Alghannami Mohammed M et al.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare, life-threatening vasculitis characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Isolated necrotizing anterior scleritis as the sole initial manifestation is distinctly rare. The presence of a clinically silent pulmonary mass without ear, nose, and throat or renal involvement makes this presentation exceptional and diagnostically challenging. A 31-year-old man presented with recurrent unilateral necrotizing anterior scleritis resistant to corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, without systemic symptoms. This single-patient case report, prepared in accordance with CAse REport guidelines, revealed mildly elevated anti-proteinase 3 antibodies (25 AU/mL) in laboratory tests. Chest computed tomography unexpectedly showed a 5-cm solitary pulmonary mass. Histopathology demonstrated necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with multinucleated giant cells and vasculitis, confirming GPA. The patient was treated with pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone followed by monthly cyclophosphamide, then transitioned to rituximab maintenance therapy. He achieved marked improvement in ocular inflammation and visual function, with no new systemic manifestations during follow-up. This case illustrates a rare diagnostic pathway in which isolated, treatment-resistant necrotizing scleritis led to the detection of clinically silent pulmonary GPA. It highlights the importance of considering systemic vasculitis in atypical or refractory scleritis and underscores the critical role of tissue biopsy when serologic findings are mild or nonspecific. Furthermore, this first documented Middle Eastern case adds educational value for ophthalmologists and rheumatologists, illustrating that early multidisciplinary evaluation and timely rituximab therapy can prevent irreversible ocular damage and systemic progression.