Retinal vasculitis: A framework and proposal for a classification system

Retinal vasculitis, a poorly understood process involving inflammation or ischemia of the retinal vessel wall, may occur in association with a systemic process, although it can also be isolated to the retina. Because of the limited ability to perform histopathological studies on retinal vessels, there is no gold standard for diagnosis. Thus, there is utility in creating a classification system for retinal vasculitis and improving diagnostic strategies for this disease. We provide a framework for understanding retinal vasculitis based on size, location, and etiology. We hope that this information can be implemented in the clinical setting to provide some diagnostic strategies for this often confusing entity. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Retinal vasculitis, involving inflammation or ischemia of the retinal vessel wall, can be associated with systemic processes or isolated to the retina. Due to limited ability for histopathological studies and lack of a gold standard for diagnosis, creating a classification system and improving diagnostic strategies are essential. This framework based on size, location, and etiology aims to provide diagnostic strategies for this complex condition.