I have a bilateral iritis and unilateral optic neuritis patient. Should I be aware of any special considerations in my differential, when these two diseases appear together?

Q. I have a bilateral iritis and unilateral optic neuritis patient. Should I be aware of any special considerations in my differential, when these two diseases appear together?

A.One possibility is a complication of mycoplasma pneumoniae. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is well known as a common cause of pneumonia, but it also associated with a significant number of extrapulmonary effects. The most frequent extrapulmonary complication is neurologic. These neurologic complications can be seen a few days to a few weeks, possibly more, after respiratory symptoms resolve, even though nearly half the patients may not have a history of a respiratory infection. Since it can result in a coma or a stroke, encephalitis is the most feared neurologic complication. Pericarditis, heart block, and migratory arthritis are potential complications of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Ophthalmologic complications include iritis, conjunctivitis, and optic neuritis with optic nerve atrophy. Other ophthalmologic complications include retinal hemorrhages and exudates.