Differential Diagnosis for Blurry Vision, Vasculitis, and Fever
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA): This condition is a form of vasculitis that affects the medium and large arteries, particularly those in the head. It often presents with symptoms such as blurry vision, fever, and headache, making it a strong candidate given the symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, GPA): This is a type of vasculitis that affects small- and medium-sized vessels and can present with a wide range of symptoms including fever, vasculitis, and eye symptoms like blurry vision due to involvement of the orbits or direct vascular effects.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): SLE is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems in the body, including the eyes (causing blurry vision), and can present with vasculitis and fever among its myriad symptoms.
- Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN): This condition is a type of vasculitis that affects medium-sized arteries and can lead to a variety of symptoms including fever, vasculitis, and potentially eye symptoms if the arteries supplying the eyes are affected.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: Although not typically associated with systemic vasculitis, this condition can cause sudden blurry vision and is an ocular emergency. It might be considered in the context of vasculitis affecting the eye directly.
- Endophthalmitis: An infection within the eye that can cause severe vision loss, fever, and might be associated with systemic symptoms. It's crucial to identify and treat promptly.
- Syphilis: Particularly in its tertiary stage, syphilis can cause a wide range of systemic symptoms including fever and vasculitis, and can affect the eyes in various ways, leading to blurry vision.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eales Disease: A rare condition characterized by inflammation and blockage of retinal blood vessels, leading to recurrent vitreous hemorrhages and vision loss. It might present with blurry vision but is less commonly associated with systemic vasculitis or fever.
- Relapsing Polychondritis: An autoimmune disorder that can affect various cartilaginous structures and other tissues, potentially leading to eye symptoms, vasculitis, and fever, though it is relatively rare.
- Behçet's Disease: A form of vasculitis that can affect arteries and veins of all sizes, leading to a wide range of symptoms including eye inflammation (which could cause blurry vision), fever, and systemic vasculitis. It is rare in many parts of the world but should be considered in the appropriate clinical context.