Therapeutic plasma exchange in refractory Susac's syndrome: A brief report

Susac's syndrome (SuS) is an autoimmune endotheliopathy that typically presents with the clinical triad of encephalopathy, hearing loss, and branch retinal artery occlusion. It has a wide range of possible presentations, and its pathogenesis remains uncertain. Fulminant and refractory cases are difficult to treat, and no standard treatment protocol has been established. However, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been described as an adjunctive therapy in several SuS cases. Herein we present a case of a 63-year-old male with debilitating encephalopathy and recent hearing and vision loss, who responded favorably to TPE. Given this and other published reports of plasma exchange therapy for SuS, treatment protocols should consider TPE in early stages of disease.

Automated summary

Susac's syndrome is an autoimmune endotheliopathy characterized by encephalopathy, hearing loss, and branch retinal artery occlusion. Its pathogenesis and treatment methods are still uncertain, but therapeutic plasma exchange may be an effective adjunctive treatment.