Purpose: To describe the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in conjunction with immunosuppression for acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: Two known cases of SLE presented to us with blurred vision and paracentral scotomas due to AMN. Both cases reported worsening of their conditions despite the initiation of high-dose steroid therapy. HBOT was added on as a treatment modality to address vaso-occlusive ischemic injury.
Results: Both patients underwent a total of twelve cycles of HBOT. Functional and anatomical improvements were noted immediately after the initiation of therapy and were maintained over more than one year of follow-up. No significant retinal thinning was noted on optical coherence tomography on disease resolution, as has been noted previously. Visual field scotoma showed a complete resolution.
Conclusion: Our cases suggest that HBOT may have a role in aiding functional and anatomical recovery in AMN associated with SLE.
Keywords: Acute macular neuroretinopathy; Hyperbaric oxygen therapy; Immunosuppression; Optical coherence tomography; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Visual fields.