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THUR 158 Susac’s syndrome: treatment and outcomes in three cases
  1. Chua Wei Xin1,
  2. Whittam Dan1,
  3. Huda Saif1,
  4. Rog David2,
  5. Wilson Martin1,
  6. Smith David1,
  7. Enevoldson Peter1,
  8. Jacob Anu1
  1. 1The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
  2. 2Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust

Abstract

Background Susac’s syndrome (SS) is a rare, autoimmune microangiopathy causing a triad of branch retinal artery occlusions, sensorineural hearing loss and brain lesions. Published data on immunotherapy and outcomes is very limited.

Method Single centre case note review.

Electronic hospital records between 1996 and 2017 were searched. 277 possible cases were reviewed.

Results 3 cases (2 female, 1 male) with the full SS triad were identified. Median age of disease onset was 35.2 years with headache (n=3), confusion (n=1), hearing loss (n=3), vertigo (n=2) and visual field loss (n=2). Time from onset to diagnosis with the full triad was 3–23 months. MRIs showed characteristic corpus callosum involvement. All patients received high-dose corticosteroids as acute therapy. Case 1 was treated with Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) and Prednisolone for 27 months, and followed up for a further 8 months. She remained relapse-free. Case 2 relapsed on steroid-reduction, so received Rituximab followed by MMF and Prednisolone. She has now been stable for 14 months. Case 3 was intolerant to high-dose corticosteroids, Cyclophoshamide and MMF. He relapsed off treatment then commenced Azathioprine. Duration on Azathioprine is 14 months with one further relapse.

Conclusion SS is rare but causes significant morbidity. Recognition of characteristic findings and early immunotherapy improves outcomes.

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